San Diego needs a running back, Buffalo’s got two. Joe Fortenbaugh
With the recent news that the San Diego Chargers are shopping cornerback Antonio Cromartie in the hopes of acquiring a running back, the rumor mill has kicked into high gear as to which teams may be interested.
The Dallas Cowboys have three effective running backs on their roster and the Baltimore Ravens may be willing to part with veteran rusher Willis McGahee. In addition, the Packers, Giants and 49ers have been included in the ever-growing pool of speculation.
However, one of the more intriguing ideas that has been making its way across the internet comes from Bob Matthews of the Democrat and Chronicle, who suggests the Buffalo Bills should try to trade running back Marshawn Lynch to the Bolts in exchange for a draft pick.
Why not?
With LaDainian Tomlinson expected to be suiting-up elsewhere in 2010, the Chargers need a running back who can force opposing defenses to respect the run, which in turn, will open up head coach Norv Turner’s vertical passing attack.
Meanwhile, Lynch has quite possibly worn out his welcome in Buffalo with his multiple run-ins with the law, not to mention the emergence of running back Fred Jackson, who was far more effective than Lynch last season as he averaged 4.5 yards per carry to Lynch’s 3.8.
A change of scenery could be a good thing for the 23-year-old Lynch, who played his high school football in Oakland and went to college at Cal. For the Chargers, they would be acquiring a young, versatile running back with plenty of gas left in the tank.
Remember, prior to the 2009 season, Lynch posted back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons while catching 47 passes in 15 games in 2008. He also averaged over 4.0 yards per carry in both 2007 and 2008, something NFP analyst Michael Lombardi mentioned Wednesday morning that the Chargers are in desperate need of.
The reality of the situation is that San Diego doesn’t need a running back who can put the team on his back and carry them to victory. The Chargers already have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Philip Rivers and the NFL’s fifth-best passing attack (271.1 yds/gm). They win games through the air.
What the Chargers do need is a running back who can force opposing defenses to respect the running game.
This is something Marshawn Lynch is more than capable of achieving.
Matthews floats the idea that the Bills should send Lynch to Southern California for the Chargers’ second-round draft pick.
Would you make that deal?
Just in case the Bolts don’t acquire a veteran running back this offseason, here are NFP Director of College Scouting Wes Bunting’s top five backs in this year’s draft class. San Diego holds the 28th pick in the first round.
Follow us on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh @WesBunting
I'm sure Buffalo would love to unload Lynch for a second rounder, but SD would be nuts to make that move. If they wanted a guy who averaged<4 yards a pop, they could just keep LT.
The absolutely easiest position to fill on a team is RB. They barely have to even know the plays. John Riggins said all he knew was if he was supposed to run right or left. SD should use their high picks on defense and draft a couple of RBs in the lower rounds. If they are determined to trade Cromartie, get a high pick for him, not a RB.
Chargers need to trade Cromartie to the Titans for Lendale White. Titans need a CB, Chargers need a young proven RB. White played behind Bush at USC, but is better equiped to play a complete NFL season than Bush.
How badly do the Bills need Cromartie? They need players at LB and DL to transition to the new defence and they desperately need offensive talent. I think they would be better off getting a draft pick for Lynch. Cromartie has not been dominant for a while and would not be good value for his salary.
Many of San Diego's players were scouted by (and eventually drafted by) current Bills GM Buddy Nix when he was the Chargers' #2 player evaluator (current GM Smith was #1). His familiarity with the Chargers will likely produce some kind of deal. I personally prefer the Lynch/Cromartie deal. Two guys who need a change of scenery. The Chargers acquired a power RB in 1980 who had a reputation similar to that of Lynch and needed only a change of scenery. His name was Chuck Muncie (he also matriculated at Cal) and his immediate success as a power back opened up the Air Coryell attack. He went to 3 consecutive Pro Bowls immediatetly after the trade.
I don't think the Chargers will trade draft picks. The will focus on the running game and defensive line with their draft picks. The RB they would pair with Lynch would be available in the third round (Anthony Dixon?). Something like this:
1st Round - NT Dan Williams or DE Jared Odrick or RT Trent Williams
2nd Round - CB Kyle Wilson (to replace Cromartie)
3rd Round - RB Anthony Dixon or RB LaGarrette Blount
4th Round - NT Camaron Thomas or RT Kyle Calloway (depending on who wasn't picked in 1st round)
No fullback need big strong pounder
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Feb 17, 2010
01:26 PM
What about Grant going to SD for Cromartie? Grant is scheduled to make a ton of $$$ soon and this could be good for everyone involved, as GB really needs help at DB.
Packers can draft RB or maybe sign LT himself as a short term replacement and go with a group of RBs for next season rather than a featured back. Also Chester Taylor could be an option as well.