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San Diego Chargers: Don’t forget about Austin Pettis

By Keith Demolder

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The San Diego Chargers’ recent signing of Jacoby Jones, cut loose by the Baltimore Ravens, gives the Bolts a threat on kick returns as well as a deep threat on offense. Jones was a very valuable piece to the Ravens offense and special teams and should definitely produce in San Diego.

As for the offense as a whole, there should definitely be enough receivers on the roster, maybe even some receivers that the Bolts haven’t thought of utilizing before.

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Many still think San Diego needs to pick up a receiver whether it happens through the draft or free agency. And while I agree that speed and youth are two things that should definitely be valued in today’s NFL, why should the Bolts waste a draft choice when they have plenty receivers on their roster already?

Some say Dontrelle Inman could be the emerging star, however I think that the Chargers may have a secret weapon in fourth-year pro and former Rams receiver Austin Pettis.

In October of 2014, Pettis was released from the Rams organization after missing a team meeting. According to ESPN.com writer Nick Wagoner five months ago, “In something of a surprise move, the St. Louis Rams released wide receiver Austin Pettis on Monday afternoon…a league source said Monday afternoon that Pettis and practice squad receiver Emory Blake were late for a team activity over the weekend. The Rams also released Blake on Monday.”

Nov 3, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Austin Pettis (18) is unable to catch a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback

Jason McCourty

(30) defends during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Tennessee defeated St. Louis 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Afterwards, the Bolts decided to offer him a reserve spot with the team in 2015.

Chargers.com manager Ricky Henne stated in an article, “The San Diego Chargers added to their arsenal of pass catchers on Friday with the signing of former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Austin Pettis.”

Considering that Pettis was a sought-after, three-sport recruit out of Lutheran High School in Orange, California,  it was no secret why he excelled at Boise State.

Pettis caught for 1,079 yards and 13 touchdowns on 72 catches and earned first-team All-League and All-County and Third-Team All-State and All-Southern Section Team honors all during his senior season.

During his four seasons at Boise State, he caught 229 passes for 2,838 yards and 39 touchdowns. As it stands, Pettis is tops in Boise State history in touchdown catches and  receptions with his receiving yards ranking second all-time.

In his junior and senior seasons (where he was a First-team All-Western Athletic Conference player in both seasons), Pettis caught 134 passes for 1,806 yards and 24 touchdowns.

At the time, Pettis was one of the underrated receivers in the draft. And while he was slow going into the draft, many saw value in his other skills.

According to NFLDraftScout.com, “Pettis lacks ideal speed for the outside…has work to do as a route-runner…Works over the middle very well while using his body to shield the ball from defenders. Has big, strong hands and can pluck passes in traffic.”

Pettis was then drafted in the third round, 78th overall, by the St. Louis Rams.

Known for his focus and pass-catching abilities, Pettis had potential in St. Louis, but mostly underperformed due to personal injuries as well as injuries to his quarterbacks.

In four seasons in St. Louis, Pettis recorded 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns on 107 receptions. His best season was in 2013 when he pulled down 38 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns. His 2013 season started out very strong as he caught 19 passes for 206 yards and four touchdowns from weeks two-five.

He finished his season though without a touchdown, let alone another game over 41 yards receiving.

In terms of what he means to the Bolts though, Pettis plays a pretty limited role in comparison to receivers such as Allen and Floyd. But, if he makes his presence felt in training camp, he could make the opening day roster as the Bolts’ fifth receiver.

As it looks right now, Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, Jones and Inman are the top four receivers on the roster. Whether Javontee Herndon, Torrence Allen Austin Pettis or someone else entirely takes the spot, I’m not sure. But, Pettis is probably going to be fighting an uphill battle with the other wide outs considering that he has had some off-the-field issues as well as production question marks.

If Pettis shows himself in training camp (which I believe he will), I have no doubt he will be able to make it to the opening day roster.

Pettis is just 27 and has yet to reach his prime, in my opinion. Working with receivers such as Floyd and Allen should give Pettis some confidence in what the Chargers are looking for in 2015.

Next: Jacoby Jones could be Chargers missing piece

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