Clinton

Hart

Bhawoh Jue, a free agent pickup a year ago, is his primary competition. Hart could be a IDP sleeper in deep leagues. Marlon McCree will play free safety.

Hart will be a reserve in San Diego.

The Chargers are the first team to have all their picks under contract. Heading to camp, Weddle is behind Clinton Hart at strong safety, but the rookie from Utah should pass him shortly. Still, Weddle isn’t in great position as an IDP behind a San Diego front seven that eats up everything.

Bhawoe Jue has faded, and second-round pick Eric Weddle has a lot of ground to make up. Hart has good ball skills, but isn’t known for his tackling.

Weddle took reps with the first team yesterday and is expected to pass Clinton Hart once he becomes more comfortable with the Chargers defense.

San Diego’s starting strong safety finished last season with 85 tackles, one sack, and five interceptions. Hart is currently signed through 2008.

Hart did break a bone in his hand in September and seemed to never get over a Week 13 stinger, but blaming bad years on injury sure is common among San Diego defensive backs. After being relentlessly burnt by tight ends in 2008, Hart will have to hold off rookie Kevin Ellison to keep his job.

The hard-hitting Ellison dropped in the draft due health concerns after undergoing three knee surgeries at USC. Hart was one of the worst strong safeties in the league last season, so a strong summer could elevate Ellison into the starting role.