Gehlken chat transcript March 24, 2014

[QSmokey]

I'd say the top 3 questions were asked.

NT?
CB?
WR?

Were they answered?

I'm thinking he just doesn't have any 'inside' information...at least none that he chooses to share. I guess your point is he didn't say anything that we didn't already know? If that's how you feel, I agree with you. Which is why I said there was nothing to say. He just doesn't know.

[oneinchpunch]

I'm thinking he just doesn't have any 'inside' information...at least none that he chooses to share. I guess your point is he didn't say anything that we didn't already know? If that's how you feel, I agree with you. Which is why I said there was nothing to say. He just doesn't know.

Agreed.

The Chargers beat writer knows little more than the casual fan

[Boltjolt]

I'd say the top 3 questions were asked.

NT?
CB?
WR?

Were they answered?

Which answer didnt you like?

Looked to me that he said CB will be drafted as well as NT since they tried and failed to sign Mitchell. Floyd very well may never play again and that would free up some cap space if he retires and with or without him, they should draft a WR.

What exactly did you want him to say that would satisfy you?

[Mister Hoarse]

At least he made an honest attempt to answer questions without over speculating or making it about himself - Acee logo: - and when he didnt know he said so - Refreshing Change logo: - more than I've come to expect lately.

[Panama]

my point.

What did he say that was news to you?

If we didn't follow the Chargers as closely as we do, we could consider a lot of what he said news. For example, he stated repeatedly that the Chargers had no interest in any FA CB (including Verner) but had plans to make a big investment at CB in the draft. He said the team thinks more highly of Lissemore than people outside the organization, all but saying Lissemore will be our starting NT next season. He said MF and DA are unlikely to be back next season, as much as the team may like them. He said the team will not sign a FB or draft a QB. And so on. Again, this may not be news for us, but for a casual fan there is quite a bit in there. But if you wanted hard facts about hotdog prices, you might have to wait until you're next at the Murph.

[MakoShark]

If there isn't an agenda, or some innuendo and double talk some people aren't happy. Perhaps a heavy dose journalistic sarcasm and criticism would pacify the villagers? "TT won't tell me anything and MM is in over his head!"

ldmarine:

[SDFan]

well, he did open the session with this: "11:01 Michael Gehlken: Welcome to this week's chat. I'm here to take your questions, Chargers-based or otherwise. The first couple waves of free agency are done. Things are more quiet now. Mike McCoy and team executives are currently in Orlando for annual league owner meetings. Back home, the Chargers' primary focus is the May draft. Let's get started."

so FA is done, things are quiet, Head Coach and team execs are out of town and they are focused on draft. Given there is nobody home at the fortress and they aren't going to telegraph their draft strategy- not sure why anyone here would expect startling new revelations. At least Gehlk is keeping in touch with fans and recapping what (he thinks) he does know of their plans. I still remember when I wrote an email to the SDUT about 15 years ago complaining of NO offseason Chargers coverage in the paper at all despite FA, upcoming draft, etc. and got back a shitty response "NOBODY cares about football until Training Camp starts at UCSD" and it was baseball season for coverage.

[SDFan]

If we didn't follow the Chargers as closely as we do, we could consider a lot of what he said news. For example, he stated repeatedly that the Chargers had no interest in any FA CB (including Verner) but had plans to make a big investment at CB in the draft. He said the team thinks more highly of Lissemore than people outside the organization, all but saying Lissemore will be our starting NT next season. He said MF and DA are unlikely to be back next season, as much as the team may like them. He said the team will not sign a FB or draft a QB. And so on. Again, this may not be news for us, but for a casual fan there is quite a bit in there. But if you wanted hard facts about hotdog prices, you might have to wait until you're next at the Murph.

yep. also no trade ups, they wouldn't be carrying/using a FB, were set up to be run-heavy but still need a speed WR and probably would take an OL somewhere to groom, Taylor would get a look to compete but Addae was favored at S. I think TT has us perfectly positioned to go BPA in the draft and still end up with quality contributers at WR, CB, OL and possibly edge rusher and DT if they are there when we pick.

[ArtistFormerlyKnownAsBKR]

Seems he was pretty clear in saying defense was most likely the emphasis with the top two picks. Not exactly eath-shattering given whats discussed on this board everyday, but then I'd hardly call this group 'casual fans.'

Its odd, because as I read through the transcript my thought was how much I think Ghelken has improved in both volume/quality of substance and confident tone from when he first started and I felt he was too green to deserve the beat.

But let's be honest. OIP is a serial contrarian and shit-stirrer. He's not happy unless he's unhappy and doing his tired, snarky, tired, expert-on-everything, tired schtick.

[Steve]

Teams just aren't going to give anything away at this point. All they care about is winning, so the will play everything close to the vest every year.

[Coachmarkos]

He said that he thought a corner would be drafted...which we all thought, but he seemed pretty confident about it.

[Formula 21]

I enjoyed the piece. And it as good to hear about Freeney's recovery.