Overview of 32 Teams

Free Agent Losses * Dwight Freeney (OLB) Still had juice on passing-downs, despite low sack total. Should have been a rotational guy; played too many snaps last year due to injuries at the position. * Jarret Johnson (OLB) Retired. Great edge-setter. Solid against the run, not a great pass-rusher. He and Freeney gave the position great depth. Now it's up to Attaochu and Ingram to become full-time starters, guys who were both injured last season. * Eddie Royal (WR) Had a great season. Good fit in our system. Steve Johnson is essentially his replacement. * Ryan Mathews (RB) Played in 6 games last year. Talented guy, often injured. Replaced with superior talent in Melvin Gordon. * Jeromey Clary (G) Retired. Never played in 2014 due to injury, was part of a strong 2013 OL (even if he wasn't great). * Chad Rinehart (G) Cut. Starting LG last year. One of the worst guards in the league last year. Replaced with Orlando Franklin * Nick Hardwick (G) Retired. Played a few snaps in 2014 before going down for the year. After him we had 4 other Centers play at the position due to injury. Chris Watt (3rd round pick 2014) is supposed to be his successor. * Marcus Gilchrist (S) Usually picked on on 3rd downs, gave up a ton of firsts. Not very athletic, not very instinctive. He's a below average type of player. Replaced with Jimmy Wilson, a lateral move. Lot's of hope Jahleel Addae can claim the spot and become the starter; he's shown himself to be pretty decent in all things, but he's always injured. * Shareece Wright (CB) Pretty good in coverage and against the run, problem was that he never looked for the ball and always got flagged for it. No doubt he likes to grab on too, but a lot of phantom holds went his way. Jason Verrett will step up and take his spot, which is a huge improvement (played at a high level before he went out with injury).

Free Agent Additions * Orlando Franklin (OG) A top guard in the league last year. Big weakness for us last year. * Steve Johnson (WR) A unique route-runner who finally plays with a great QB. * Jacoby Jones (WR) We haven't had a good kick returner since Sproles, and we really needed one. * Joe Barksdale (OT) Either kicks inside to guard or pushes Fluker there, but drastic improvement over Troutman (another one of the worst guards in the league last year). * Patrick Robinson (CB) Had problems with injury, but played very well in the slot last year. Could be a gem pickup. * Jimmy Wilson (S) Not excited about this one, but he's likely to see a bunch of playing time.

Players Extended * King Dunlap (OT) A very decent LT, best player on the line last year. Was vital that we kept him. * Brandon Flowers (CB) A top 10 CB last year. Another key re-signing. * Ricardo Mathews (DE) Played very well over 300 snaps. Should see a larger role this year.

Contributing Rookies * Melvin Gordon (RB) He'll be our #1 back. Goes without saying. Could have 1000+ yard season. * Denzel Perryman (ILB) Donald Butler had a horrible year last year, and if that continues, expect Perryman to find his way on the field. *Kyle Emanuel (OLB) Being that there's almost no depth behind our starting OLBs, I expect this late round pick to see playing time.

Returning Players * Jason Verrett (CB) Missed the majority of the season. Expected to start across from Flowers. * Danny Woodhead (RB) Played in 3 games last season. A key 3rd-down back, important offensive weapon.

A lot of our key starters missed some playing time last year as well, including Flowers and Ingram.

Players In Decline * Malcolm Floyd (WR) I think he'll still play at a high level, but he's likely done after this year. * Antonio Gates (TE) Asked for a more limited role in this upcoming season. Likely to retire next year.

Breakout Candidates * Jeremiah Attaochu (OLB) Flashed as an edge-rusher, but battled a hamstring injury all season long. * Melvin Gordon (RB) I think this goes without saying. * Jason Verrett (CB) Dude has the potential to be an elite CB. * Ladarius Green (TE) We said it last year, but they barely used him. It should happen this year if Gates plays fewer snaps.

Elite Players * Eric Weddle (CB) Probably the best all-around safety in the league. * Philip Rivers (QB) A top QB in the league.

Strong Positions: OL, RB, CB, WR, ILB

Weak Positions: OLB, DL

Coach or FO Changes: Added Mike Nolan as LB coach.

Scheme Changes: None.

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