The Chargers’ first two draft picks in April have both been placed on the top line of the depth charts at their respective positions.
Tackle D.J. Fluker is going to be on the right side of the offensive line and Manti Te’o is going to be manning a post at inside linebacker and they won’t be the only guys starting on day one if wide receiver Keenan Allen gets his way. The third-round pick isn’t content to bide his time behind Danario Alexander, Malcolm Floyd, Vincent Brown and Eddie Royal. He wants to force the Chargers to vault him over his more experienced competition.
“I want to be a starter. I don’t want to watch. I want to be part of the moment. I don’t want to watch it,” Allen said, via Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego. “I’m a starter. That’s what I feel like -- I’m a starter. ... Great character. Great team play. I’ll try to make an impact as soon as I get there. My work ethic is there. I’m determined to be successful.”
There’s obviously nothing surprising about a player saying he wants to be a starter and Allen’s in as good a situation as any to make good on his hopes. The Chargers have a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator and a new offensive scheme that shouldn’t be beholden to anyone other than the players that make it work the best. Allen should get chances to prove he’s one of those players in camp, which means his future role is very much in his hands.
