Devastated by fall, Siler looks to rise

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Sunday, May 6, 2007 7:44 PM PDT ∞

Chargers new linebacker Brandon Siler.
Jamie Scott Lytle
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SAN DIEGO ---- The NFL's draft weekend wasn't the least bit enjoyable for Brandon Siler. Frustration and anger ruled as the Florida defensive star watched team after team pass on him multiple times.

The Chargers finally ended Siler's slide down the draft board, picking the inside linebacker in the seventh round with the 240th overall pick. That was much, much later than the second- or third-round projections made by several draft publications.

Siler, a third-team All-American last season for the team that dominated Ohio State in the national championship game, was the 31st linebacker taken. Linebackers from football outposts like Alabama A&M, Brown, Elon, Florida International and Portland State all went before Siler.

And he still hasn't the slightest idea why he fell so far in the draft.

"Nobody has answered that question yet," Siler said after a practice during the Chargers' three-day minicamp. "There's a big question mark out there, and I just can't think about it. I just have to keep moving on."

As the disappointing plummet continued well into the second day, Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis was among the people who phoned Siler to offer support. The two had worked out together the previous spring and summer, and Lewis planned to lobby the Ravens to sign Siler as a free agent.

"He said, 'It's probably a blessing that you're going so late, and you just have to take it for what it's worth,' " Siler said. "He thought I would go to free agency."

The draft experience was nothing like what Siler envisioned after he opted to bypass his senior season at Florida. Gators coach Urban Meyer had tried to sway Siler to return, but the 6-foot-2, 239-pounder believed he was ready for the NFL.

One week later, Siler isn't afraid to admit that he has second-guessed himself over his decision.

"After you go in the seventh round, you have to doubt it," Siler said. "I was a tad bit embarrassed because of the decision I made for a little while, but it was a decision I made and I'm going to stand behind that decision.

"... If I would've (gone) next year, there's no promises that the same thing wouldn't have happened. I did everything that I had to do, and things still didn't work out for me."

Siler was second on the Gators with 77 tackles last season and was a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive player. He had 30 career tackles for losses over three seasons and was one of the many heroes when Florida limited Ohio State to 82 total yards and eight first downs in the title game.

Having reached the pinnacle of on-field collegiate success made the draft-day fall all the more agonizing.

"Our defense was one of the best defenses in college football," Siler said. "I led the defense to that national championship, so it was very difficult to deal with it.

"I'm just trying to ignore it and move on with my career."

First-round draft pick Craig Davis of LSU, a Southeastern Conference rival of Florida, is very familiar with Siler. He was stunned that Siler wasn't picked until the seventh round.

"He's a lot better player than that," Davis said. "He's a great defensive player."

Siler will now turn his focus toward making the Chargers' roster. The team took another inside linebacker in the third round ---- Clemson's Anthony Waters, who missed most of last season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament ---- and Siler is hoping he can help provide depth behind projected starters Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm.

"After practicing and running around with these guys, I don't think it was an extreme need," Siler said of a team that lost veteran inside linebackers Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey. "I think they needed depth. I'm confident in my abilities. I think I'm going to make the squad."

Chargers notes

Coach Norv Turner termed the three-day minicamp a success. "When you see this team from afar, you know it's very talented and there's great ability on the team," Turner said Sunday. "The thing that jumped out and impressed me through the three days was the attitude, the approach and the energy. It's obviously a group that's highly, highly motivated, and it makes it easy to coach." ... Among the injured players as minicamp concluded were S Marlon McCree (knee) and WRs Craig Davis (groin), Legedu Naanee (hamstring) and Eric Parker (toe). Turner said none of the injuries are serious, but that Parker will be limited for a couple weeks. Turner said the team decided to be "smart" in its handling of McCree. ... Sunday's minicamp workout was attended by 2,758 fans. More than 7,000 people attended the three practices that were open to the public.

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com. Comment at sports.nctimes.com.

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27 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

Barbara wrote on May 7, 2007 4:47 AM:I can understand Brandon's frustration, but at least he was picked. Perry Patterson from Syracuse,had a very difficult time playing QB at Syr. mostly none his fault, in 2006 he was very good, did excellent at his pro-day, made school records at Syr. though teams have shown an interest in him, he wasn't drafted, nor went as a FA, so hopefully Brandon will be grateful for being drafted.

Da! wrote on May 7, 2007 6:52 AM:What else could Turner say... this team really sucks, & I'd rather move to LA anyway.

Fan Maybe wrote on May 7, 2007 11:31 AM:This guy sounds like another EGO looking for a place to land! I hope I am wrong and Mr. Siler gets out there and establishes himself as a premiere LB. If those are his intentions then I welcome him to San Diego. If his intentions are to be a spoiled elite athlete like the X Mr. Foley then he can go to the Raiders and he won't be missed by me!

SDFan wrote on May 7, 2007 3:30 PM:The bottom line to pass along to all those talented undergrads - STAY IN SCHOOL! Siler could have had another year as a leader in Florida while getting an education...and avoiding the tax man.

RENDIZZLE wrote on May 7, 2007 3:54 PM:WELCOME TO S.D SILER.I'M ALSO GLAD YOU TOOK WHATS HIS NAMES #.GO BOLTZ!!!!!!!!1

What?!?! wrote on May 7, 2007 4:46 PM:He says "and things still didn't work out for me" You were picked in the NFL draft! You have nothing to whine about. It's not like you got picked last in a pickup game in the park. Being drafted at all is quite an accomplishment. Fan May have a point, I smell an ego among a bunch of big ego's. I also agree with SDFan, he should of finished his college career and education. The experience would only increase his value in the NFL and a degree would of been useful if his NFL career turns out to be brief. I wish I had his problems.

cece wrote on May 7, 2007 8:25 PM:no regrets Mr. Sillar. You are about to live a dream life. Play hard, and knock some heads. Eventually you will earn a new lucrative contract worthy of you talents. Plus you can silence the hater critics by flashing your national championship ring.

DB wrote on May 8, 2007 4:20 AM:Brandon is a good kid, and I dont know where the charactor issue rumors came from. A bad interview with scouts should not undo 3 years of being a team leader and good citizen in college. The Chargers got a steal. I wish it had been my Steelers...

Bolt Believer wrote on May 8, 2007 9:23 AM:What pro athlete doesn`t have an ego. Siler believes he should have been drafted in the 1st 3 rounds. This will only make him work that much harder to show the rest of the teams they made a big mistake passing on him.I think he`ll be a good one.With the speed & ferocity at which our OLB`s play theres sure to be some nics & dings along the way which will open up opportunities for the 2nd stringers who are prepared to step in. So Brandon put your nose to the grindstone & be ready when your time comes. How would you like a ring for your rookie season?

BoltPappo wrote on May 8, 2007 11:52 AM:Why is everyone knocking this kid already? He didn't sound like he had an ego. He had an expectation to go earlier just like every other player. People around probably told him he was going to be a 2nd rounder. He sounded dissappointed but it didn't sound like he was whining. Now he knows he'll have to work his butt off to make the team. Leave him alone.

Siler's #1 Fan wrote on May 8, 2007 3:01 PM:As someone very close to Brandon ... I just wanted to say that he does not have an ego but he was indeed disappointed because he was being projected to be a 2nd-4th round pick by basically everyone. I shared laughter and tears with him on draft weekend and Sunday night he said, "I guess I have to hold all my hopes and dreams for a couple of years". I then asked what were his dreams and he said to be rich and play in the NFL. I told him that his dream all of these years was to play in the pros and he has his chance NOW. I told him to be patient and he will get a HUGE contract in time. He then said I was right and came to his senses.

Fan Maybe wrote on May 9, 2007 4:35 AM:Mr. Siler, you have some fans out there, don't disappoint them or yourself. Stay strong, work hard and be the team player your fans say you are and you will be a huge success and in turn, I'll GLADLY join the ranks as a Siler fan. It would be great to have another player, like LT, with high standards on our team and in our community.

father_of_a_son wrote on May 9, 2007 5:09 AM:Brandon hang in there trust God and your dreams will come true.

chargersbolts wrote on May 9, 2007 11:58 AM:ANY DRAFT IS A CRAP SHOOT !!..LISTENING TO MEL KIPER JR. MAKES IT SOUND HE HAS A CRYSTAL BALL , & IS ABLE TO PREDICT THE FUTURE OF ALL DRAFT PICKS.....YOU CAN'T MEASURE THE HEART OF A PERSON , SO LETS GIVE BRANDON THE CHANCE TO EXPEL ALL THE DOUBTERS THIS YEAR......POSITIVE ATTITUDE BREEDS POSITIVE RESULTS...WAIT & SEE...

Al wrote on May 9, 2007 2:14 PM:Mr. Silar will learn to wait & see. Earn a position with sound football and focus. Remember the word-earn. If you have what it takes, all of San Diego will know, you'll be on stage.

Duval Gator wrote on May 9, 2007 8:37 PM:Maybe it's me but I don't get it teams will draft A guy on what he may become instead of taking A guy who is proven what happen to "Best Player Available"

MoCharger wrote on May 10, 2007 7:53 PM:You know actually in the 3rd round when we drafted waters some of my friends were upset that we didn't take siler instead. To find out that we got him on the 7th round i was very surprised and had to recheck if this the same Siler :) LOL. But you know what things happen for a reason and i think this is good for the both the Chargers and Siler himself

RENDIZZLE wrote on May 14, 2007 3:38 PM:GO SILER,GO BOLTZ!!!!!!!!!!GREAT STEAL, DONNIE WHO?

JayD...Orange County,FL wrote on May 14, 2007 4:15 PM:Go out there and show them what you are made of B . Do ya thang , And rep. for the home team cause you no we got ya back.

So Cal Girl wrote on May 15, 2007 12:15 PM:Does anyone know if Brandon related to Sac City's Clarence Siler?

Willi B wrote on May 27, 2007 6:09 AM:He fell for some reason... but should be happy he is playing on a team where even UDA's have hit huge paydays. Tell him that if he is the best, he will get the payday and the starting job.

Dep wrote on Sep 7, 2007 11:41 AM:B-SI, I love your attitude. Keep working hard and reach that goal. You will be a starter in the NFL. E-High Trojans! Make us proud.

NYOURCORNER wrote on Sep 11, 2007 11:35 AM:B SI IS HARDWORKING AND COMMITTED TO BEING A GREAT NFL PLAYER. NO EGO, JUST LOTS OF HEART,DETERMINATION AND TALENT.

VOLUNTEER wrote on Oct 1, 2007 1:10 PM:SAW YOU PLAY 3 YEARS AGANIST THE VOLS, AND HAVE WATCHED LOTS OF SEC PLAYERS. YOU WERE BY FAR THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER THAT I HAVE SEEN SINCE CORNEALIOUS BENNETT, & JOHN HENDERSON. IF I WERE DRAFTING FOR DEFENSE, YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN MY #1 PICK. BY FAR YOU PLAYED THE GAME TO WIN. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT YOU WILL BECOME ALL-PRO ,AND HAVE A GREAT CAREER BASED ON WHAT I SAW @ U. OF FLORIDA.

volman wrote on Oct 1, 2007 1:45 PM:Siler was the best defensive player that i saw in the SEC over the past 20 years.There is no doubt that he will be all-pro for years to come. All heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAD wrote on Nov 25, 2007 8:39 PM:I'm Clarence his proud dad,i love my son very much,I think it was a shame to see him go as late as he went in the draft but,that bad thing that happened put him in the best situation to accomplish all the goals I know he has set in football but,more importantly in life.We see Kids work hard their whole life for something and one person says one word bad about them on draft day and ruins a great reputation that he has built by being a great student,athlete,son,brother,and loving friend to everyone.Keep your head up son,play hard every play,and yes I went to sac city.Panther si fi !!!!!!!

Seminole wrote on Apr 5, 2008 7:22 PM:I went to the jax game with brandons brother david siler. Anyways anyone knocking his character is crazy. He is the really the funnest person to be around and he can play ball too. Good luck on the future and by the way his dad clarence is cool my car broke down and he took me home just now. Peace, blake aka seminole. by the way brandon if you reading this i can't change my nickname to gator like you wanted sorry wouldnt work out.

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