For any NFL team with a star quarterback of a certain age , the draft is an annual chance to anoint a successor.It's also a chance for fans, pundits and the rest of the league to spend several months enthusiastically discussing whether that team will make the move.
The Los Angeles Chargers have had the same starting quarterback in every game since 2006, and Philip Rivers will turn 37 years old in the fall.
Already one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, Rivers said last week he is nowhere near retirement and intends to play "a handful more years."
That hasn't stopped the football world fr om wondering whether general manager Tom Telesco will decide that this is the year to grab his next quarterback when he makes the 17th overall pick on Thursday night.
After winning nine of their final 12 games and barely missing the playoffs last season, the Chargers have a solid roster with few obvious weak spots. The time could be right for a move toward the future behind center, but Telesco isn't sure.
"That's a question we know we'll get every year until we draft a quarterback," Telesco said Monday.
"The great thing right now is that we're very happy with Philip. He's our quarterback, hands down, rest assured, for this year and hopefully beyond. But we always have to have an eye on the future. That's part of our job. There are a lot of other areas on our football team that we'd like to add to, too. That's all part of it."
Telesco realizes the questions are particularly sharp this spring not because of any decline in Rivers' play, which was largely outstanding last season, but because a handful of elite prospects could be available when the Chargers are on the clock.
Local product Josh Rosen and Heisman Trophy winners Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield all are conceivable possibilities for the Bolts , particularly if they elected to trade up a bit.
Telesco agrees the crop of quarterbacks in this draft is "a deep class, not only in the first round, but some other rounds as well. We've seen it the last couple of years. The quarterback classes have been pretty good. Guys are coming into the league and playing a little bit quicker than they used to."
With Geno Smith and Cardale Jones on the roster behind Rivers, Telesco has the luxury of knowing he doesn't need to draft a quarterback. He'll decide soon whether the succession plan will wait another year.
Here are more things to contemplate before the Chargers make their picks:
TOUGH CHOICES
The Chargers' prolonged surge into playoff contention last season left them squarely in the middle of the pack for the draft. Telesco would have rather been in the postseason than the 17th overall slot, but his scouts and executives believe they can get a worthy talent with their current position.
"You typically have about 18 to 20 first-round-graded players, give or take a couple," Telesco said. "If we don't trade out, we'll still get someone who we feel is a first-round player on our board. It's just more scenarios you have to work through."
BACK ON D
Telesco's team has plenty of desires, but no gaping needs that would compel them to value position over talent. Telesco said he will stick to his philosophy of picking the top available player, but he sees "more defense" among the desirable picks in this particular draft pool.
If that's a clue to the Chargers' intentions, they have plenty of needs, including a topflight safety to replace Tre Boston or a starting linebacker to help out Denzel Perryman.
While Los Angeles has one of the NFL's best pass-rushing duos with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, another defensive tackle such as Vita Vea or Da'Ron Payne would bolster a sometimes porous run defense.
RUN IT BACK
Telesco acknowledges he could be looking for an offensive playmaker who can double as a kick returner after Los Angeles finished 30th in the league in return yards. The Bolts already have elite talent at receiver in Keenan Allen , Tyrell Williams and Mike Williams, who is hard at work in the offseason program after an injury-filled rookie year as the seventh overall pick.
DO THE WORK
The Chargers' front office executives and scouts were busy this week preparing for the draft by sifting through hundreds of scouting reports and making their final evaluations before going into a massive mock draft.
"We'll go through different scenarios of where guys would go, and what we would do," Telesco said. "Because (on) draft day, you can't have those discussions. It's hard enough making decisions with the clock ticking down in front of you. You can't have those long discussions at that point. You have to have that decided."
HITS, MISSES AND BARGAINS
Telesco's first five years in charge included big hits in 2016 with first-round pick Bosa and second-round tight end Hunter Henry, both budding stars. He also grabbed running back Melvin Gordon in the first round in 2015 and got starting linebacker Denzel Perryman in the second round.
Telesco hasn't been as successful in unearthing hidden gems, with few later-round picks becoming major contributors. For instance, 2016 third-round pick Max Tuerk lasted just two years and failed to become the Bolts' starting center. But he got a huge hit in the third round in 2013 when he drafted Keenan Allen, who overcame injuries to become a Pro Bowl receiver.
Much of the evaluation of last year's class must wait, since first-round receiver Mike Williams didn't play much and second-round offensive lineman Forrest Lamp missed the whole season because of injuries. The Nashville Predators are having their best season yet – and are nowhere near satisfied.Ryan Ellis scored the go-ahead goal with 9:54 left and the Nashville Predators beat the San Jose Sharks 5-3 Thursday night to set a franchise record with 111 points this season.
”This is just part of where we’re trying to get to,” Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. ”I think they understand that the more we win, the better chance we have to secure home ice. Playing in front of our fans and in our building is something we talked about. We want to get that done. We knew that was something that could be done tonight. The guys played hard for us.” With their 50th victory , the NHL-leading Predators padded their lead to four points over Boston in the chase for their first Presidents’ Trophy. Nashville topped the mark of 110 points set in 2006-07 on a night wh ere the franchise also notched its 100th consecutive sellout, a streak that started April 7, 2016, against the Sharks.
They also lead Winnipeg by seven points with five games remaining apiece in the Central looking for their first division title.
Forward Filip Forsberg said the defending Western Conference champs started the season with the goal of making the playoffs.
”Once we nailed that off, now we want to finish as high as we can,” said Forsberg, who had three assists. ”Figure that the best season in Preds’ history is a good way to do it.”
Craig Smith and Viktor Arvidsson each had a goal and an assist, and Kyle Turris had a goal. Nick Bonino added an empty-net goal with 17 seconds left for Nashville, which won the season series against San Jose 2-1.
Juuse Saros made 39 saves for the win, including stopping Logan Couture on a penalty shot with 1:53 left. The goalie also helped the Predators kill a penalty with 3:10 remaining with a flurry of stops.
”Oh my goodness,” center Ryan Johansen said of the Predators’ backup goalie. ”He was phenomenal. I was pretty impressed being his teammate and watching him play. He was probably the reason we ended up winning that game. He just deserves, if not all, most of the credit.”
Couture , Brenden Dillon and Mikkel Boedker scored for the Sharks. San Jose snapped its nine-game point streak.
”It’s a tough place to win,” Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said. ”We played hard and had some chances to get some points here tonight, just didn’t happen.”
Turris opened the scoring at 5:26 when he pounced on a rebound of P.K. Subban’s shot from the point, beating Martin Jones with a snap shot from the left circle. Ryan Johansen stole the puck near the blue line, and he and Forsberg had nobody in front of them but Jones. Arvidsson scored off the pass from Forsberg for his team-leading 29th goal this season midway through the first.
Couture took advantage of Evander Kane in front of Saros to score on a wrist shot at 6:55 that went over the goalie’s right shoulder. Dillon tied it at 2 at 12:05 with a shot from the point over Saros’ right shoulder off the crossbar.
Smith put the Predators up 3-2 at 10:38 of the second with a wrister from in front that slipped under Jones’ left pad.
For all the Predators’ success, their biggest issue has been the power play. They came in 3 of 44 since March 1 and went 0 of 5 against the Sharks, which included 41 seconds of a 5-on-3. Rookie Eeli Tolvanen, who signed his three-year entry-level contract earlier Thursday , could help when he makes his highly anticipated debut, likely Saturday night.
Boedker beat Saros with a wrist shot at 5:54 of the third.
Ellis put the Predators ahead to stay with a slap shot after the puck bounced out to him off a shot attempt by Forsberg.
NOTES: The Predators are 66-21-13 during their current sellout streak. … Nashville also matched its top mark for wins in a single month with 11. The Predators won 11 in March 2010 and January 2012.
UP NEXT
Sharks: Visit the Golden Knights on Saturday night.
Predators: Host Buffalo on Saturday night.
—
The Los Angeles Chargers have had the same starting quarterback in every game since 2006, and Philip Rivers will turn 37 years old in the fall.
Already one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, Rivers said last week he is nowhere near retirement and intends to play "a handful more years."
That hasn't stopped the football world fr om wondering whether general manager Tom Telesco will decide that this is the year to grab his next quarterback when he makes the 17th overall pick on Thursday night.
After winning nine of their final 12 games and barely missing the playoffs last season, the Chargers have a solid roster with few obvious weak spots. The time could be right for a move toward the future behind center, but Telesco isn't sure.
"That's a question we know we'll get every year until we draft a quarterback," Telesco said Monday.
"The great thing right now is that we're very happy with Philip. He's our quarterback, hands down, rest assured, for this year and hopefully beyond. But we always have to have an eye on the future. That's part of our job. There are a lot of other areas on our football team that we'd like to add to, too. That's all part of it."
Telesco realizes the questions are particularly sharp this spring not because of any decline in Rivers' play, which was largely outstanding last season, but because a handful of elite prospects could be available when the Chargers are on the clock.
Local product Josh Rosen and Heisman Trophy winners Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield all are conceivable possibilities for the Bolts , particularly if they elected to trade up a bit.
Telesco agrees the crop of quarterbacks in this draft is "a deep class, not only in the first round, but some other rounds as well. We've seen it the last couple of years. The quarterback classes have been pretty good. Guys are coming into the league and playing a little bit quicker than they used to."
With Geno Smith and Cardale Jones on the roster behind Rivers, Telesco has the luxury of knowing he doesn't need to draft a quarterback. He'll decide soon whether the succession plan will wait another year.
Here are more things to contemplate before the Chargers make their picks:
TOUGH CHOICES
The Chargers' prolonged surge into playoff contention last season left them squarely in the middle of the pack for the draft. Telesco would have rather been in the postseason than the 17th overall slot, but his scouts and executives believe they can get a worthy talent with their current position.
"You typically have about 18 to 20 first-round-graded players, give or take a couple," Telesco said. "If we don't trade out, we'll still get someone who we feel is a first-round player on our board. It's just more scenarios you have to work through."
BACK ON D
Telesco's team has plenty of desires, but no gaping needs that would compel them to value position over talent. Telesco said he will stick to his philosophy of picking the top available player, but he sees "more defense" among the desirable picks in this particular draft pool.
If that's a clue to the Chargers' intentions, they have plenty of needs, including a topflight safety to replace Tre Boston or a starting linebacker to help out Denzel Perryman.
While Los Angeles has one of the NFL's best pass-rushing duos with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, another defensive tackle such as Vita Vea or Da'Ron Payne would bolster a sometimes porous run defense.
RUN IT BACK
Telesco acknowledges he could be looking for an offensive playmaker who can double as a kick returner after Los Angeles finished 30th in the league in return yards. The Bolts already have elite talent at receiver in Keenan Allen , Tyrell Williams and Mike Williams, who is hard at work in the offseason program after an injury-filled rookie year as the seventh overall pick.
DO THE WORK
The Chargers' front office executives and scouts were busy this week preparing for the draft by sifting through hundreds of scouting reports and making their final evaluations before going into a massive mock draft.
"We'll go through different scenarios of where guys would go, and what we would do," Telesco said. "Because (on) draft day, you can't have those discussions. It's hard enough making decisions with the clock ticking down in front of you. You can't have those long discussions at that point. You have to have that decided."
HITS, MISSES AND BARGAINS
Telesco's first five years in charge included big hits in 2016 with first-round pick Bosa and second-round tight end Hunter Henry, both budding stars. He also grabbed running back Melvin Gordon in the first round in 2015 and got starting linebacker Denzel Perryman in the second round.
Telesco hasn't been as successful in unearthing hidden gems, with few later-round picks becoming major contributors. For instance, 2016 third-round pick Max Tuerk lasted just two years and failed to become the Bolts' starting center. But he got a huge hit in the third round in 2013 when he drafted Keenan Allen, who overcame injuries to become a Pro Bowl receiver.
Much of the evaluation of last year's class must wait, since first-round receiver Mike Williams didn't play much and second-round offensive lineman Forrest Lamp missed the whole season because of injuries. The Nashville Predators are having their best season yet – and are nowhere near satisfied.Ryan Ellis scored the go-ahead goal with 9:54 left and the Nashville Predators beat the San Jose Sharks 5-3 Thursday night to set a franchise record with 111 points this season.
”This is just part of where we’re trying to get to,” Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. ”I think they understand that the more we win, the better chance we have to secure home ice. Playing in front of our fans and in our building is something we talked about. We want to get that done. We knew that was something that could be done tonight. The guys played hard for us.” With their 50th victory , the NHL-leading Predators padded their lead to four points over Boston in the chase for their first Presidents’ Trophy. Nashville topped the mark of 110 points set in 2006-07 on a night wh ere the franchise also notched its 100th consecutive sellout, a streak that started April 7, 2016, against the Sharks.
They also lead Winnipeg by seven points with five games remaining apiece in the Central looking for their first division title.
Forward Filip Forsberg said the defending Western Conference champs started the season with the goal of making the playoffs.
”Once we nailed that off, now we want to finish as high as we can,” said Forsberg, who had three assists. ”Figure that the best season in Preds’ history is a good way to do it.”
Craig Smith and Viktor Arvidsson each had a goal and an assist, and Kyle Turris had a goal. Nick Bonino added an empty-net goal with 17 seconds left for Nashville, which won the season series against San Jose 2-1.
Juuse Saros made 39 saves for the win, including stopping Logan Couture on a penalty shot with 1:53 left. The goalie also helped the Predators kill a penalty with 3:10 remaining with a flurry of stops.
”Oh my goodness,” center Ryan Johansen said of the Predators’ backup goalie. ”He was phenomenal. I was pretty impressed being his teammate and watching him play. He was probably the reason we ended up winning that game. He just deserves, if not all, most of the credit.”
Couture , Brenden Dillon and Mikkel Boedker scored for the Sharks. San Jose snapped its nine-game point streak.
”It’s a tough place to win,” Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said. ”We played hard and had some chances to get some points here tonight, just didn’t happen.”
Turris opened the scoring at 5:26 when he pounced on a rebound of P.K. Subban’s shot from the point, beating Martin Jones with a snap shot from the left circle. Ryan Johansen stole the puck near the blue line, and he and Forsberg had nobody in front of them but Jones. Arvidsson scored off the pass from Forsberg for his team-leading 29th goal this season midway through the first.
Couture took advantage of Evander Kane in front of Saros to score on a wrist shot at 6:55 that went over the goalie’s right shoulder. Dillon tied it at 2 at 12:05 with a shot from the point over Saros’ right shoulder off the crossbar.
Smith put the Predators up 3-2 at 10:38 of the second with a wrister from in front that slipped under Jones’ left pad.
For all the Predators’ success, their biggest issue has been the power play. They came in 3 of 44 since March 1 and went 0 of 5 against the Sharks, which included 41 seconds of a 5-on-3. Rookie Eeli Tolvanen, who signed his three-year entry-level contract earlier Thursday , could help when he makes his highly anticipated debut, likely Saturday night.
Boedker beat Saros with a wrist shot at 5:54 of the third.
Ellis put the Predators ahead to stay with a slap shot after the puck bounced out to him off a shot attempt by Forsberg.
NOTES: The Predators are 66-21-13 during their current sellout streak. … Nashville also matched its top mark for wins in a single month with 11. The Predators won 11 in March 2010 and January 2012.
UP NEXT
Sharks: Visit the Golden Knights on Saturday night.
Predators: Host Buffalo on Saturday night.
—