Chargers put faith in young wide receivers

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Friday, June 8, 2007 11:10 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Malcom Floyd figured it was only a matter of time before a veteran receiver would show up in San Diego after the Chargers released Keenan McCardell in early March. Vincent Jackson's analysis was that the team's recent track record suggested a rookie addition.

So it didn't surprise Jackson that Chargers general manager A.J. Smith eschewed the veteran route and drafted receivers Craig Davis and Legedu Naanee last month. A strong contributing factor in the decision making was Smith's belief that both Jackson and Floyd possess "immense talent." It certainly didn't hurt that Smith isn't a big player in the free-agent market, but the confidence the front office and new coach Norv Turner have in the young, in-house receivers has never been more apparent.

"I just think that they are good players, and we're very happy with where they are," Smith said Friday on the first day of the team's three-day voluntary minicamp. "The only thing that Malcom needs is maybe to stay healthy. But the talent is immense. We think he has a bright future.

"Vincent, last year, I would kind of call a breakout for us, meaning the Chargers and not so much league-wide. But I have a feeling that if he could put back-to-back (good years) together then I think more people around the league will start paying attention to a young receiver ---- Vincent Jackson of the Chargers."

The 24-year-old Jackson, a third-year player out of Northern Colorado, emerged in the second half of the season, accumulating 20 of his 27 receptions over the team's final seven regular-season games. His six touchdown receptions were second on the team to Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates (nine).

Floyd broke out with 109 yards receiving ---- the team's top single-game output of the season ---- in a mid-November game against Cincinnati, but suffered a season-ending ankle injury three weeks later against Buffalo.

"That's part of life and part of football, and you have to battle adversity and make sure it doesn't tear it down," said the 25-year-old Floyd, who joined the organization in 2004 as an undrafted free agent from Wyoming. "You have to keep your head up at all times.

"I just knew they had confidence in us after how we performed last year. They have seen us grow over the years and they do have faith in us that we will go out there and make big plays."

Jackson and Floyd (three touchdowns) were the only Chargers wide receivers to reach the end zone last season. Three of Jackson's six scores came in the final two games, and he said he's looking to build on that.

"I'm trying to get out the gate fast this year," Jackson said. "We have such an explosive offense with Norv coming in here and the things he's bringing to the table. I think we're going to really be able to expose some defenses, and he's going to use all the mismatches and advantages we have."

Turner likes what he has seen from the two young receivers during offseason workouts. And quarterback Philip Rivers believes that not bringing in a veteran only boosted the confidence of Jackson and Floyd.

"They've always had confidence," said Rivers, "but certainly, if they needed it, that should have showed them that the organization has the confidence they can get it done.

"I'm excited about them. They're both big, strong, fast guys. To me, they're real streaky. When they get hot, they're really hot. From what I've seen this offseason, they've tried to become more consistent performers on an every-down basis, and I think they've gotten a lot better at that."

Chargers notes

Coach Norv Turner was impressed with Friday's afternoon practice, the second of two workouts. "Our guys are crisp and sharp and on top of it," Turner said. "Very few mistakes. Guys were moving quick and moving with confidence." ... Turner said that WR Craig Davis, the team's first-round draft pick, is the only player not fully healthy for the weekend. Davis injured a groin during May's minicamp. ... General manager A.J. Smith said contract offers have been made to all five of the team's unsigned draft picks. TE Scott Chandler, a fourth-round pick, signed earlier this week. ... Part-time Carlsbad resident John Robinson, whom Turner worked under at USC and with the Los Angeles Rams, was at Friday's afternoon practice.

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

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