Brett Davis-USA Today Sports
Many San Diego Chargers fans were disappointed when the team missed out on left tackle Bryant McKinnie in free agency shortly after the NFL Draft. They shouldn’t be.
McKinnie, who re-signed with the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens this offseason, has been a disappointment so far in training camp, showing up overweight and out of shape. History once again is repeating itself as McKinnie showed up overweight to training camp in 2011 with the Minnesota Vikings, who cut him shortly afterwards, and 2012 with the Ravens, who benched him during the regular season.
Clearly having motivational issues and no desire to keep his body in shape during the offseason, McKinnie would’ve been a huge mistake for the Bolts if had signed with San Diego. The Chargers already dealt with the unmotivated Jared Gaither last season and shouldn’t have to deal with another similar situation.
Additionally, San Diego’s entirely new offensive line needs every chance they can get to gel together and create chemistry. This would’ve been difficult to do if the Bolts had McKinnie, who has been unable to finish practices in Baltimore due to conditioning issues.
After being spurned by McKinnie, the Chargers instead went with Max Starks in free agency, who was a much better choice anyway. Though he’s primarily worked with the second team offense so far, Starks is still expected to compete for the starting left tackle spot and will rotate with King Dunlap in training camp and preseason.
The Chargers need someone dependable at left tackle, making Starks a good choice if he can beat out Dunlap. Starks has been a durable, average left tackle since entering the league and should bring some veteran leadership and experience to a young offensive line. Though Starks may not be as talented as McKinnie, he certainly is more consistent and reliable, something that is important for the Bolts after dealing with injuries at left tackle in recent years.
Kevin Chan is a San Diego Chargers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
