Making the case for Danario Alexander

It’s no secret that the San Diego Chargers need to get Philip Rivers a target on the outside. Some think that the Bolts should go after a receiver in free agency. With guys like Dwayne Bowe, Mike Wallace, and Greg Jennings on the board, it wouldn’t be hard to find an immediate boost for Rivers. But let’s look at another route: promoting from within.

As of now, the Chargers number one guy is Malcom Floyd. Floyd caught 56 balls for 814 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. Those are decent numbers for a number one guy. He ranked 37th in the league in yards. When you look at it that way, he’s a number two guy at best. Before the Chargers lost Vincent Jackson, Floyd was the just that: the number two guy. Behind Jackson, Floyd was putting up the same numbers. In 2011, Jackson went over 1,000 yards and caught 5 touchdowns and Floyd caught 43 passes for 856 yards. With Jackson out of the picture, he only had 14 more targets than in 2011.

Dec 23, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander (84) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the first half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Now, let’s insert Danario Alexander. After going 3-3 leading into the BYE week, the Chargers signed wideout Danario Alexander literally off the street. He made an immediate impact. In just his third game with the Chargers, he caught 5 passes for 134 yards and an 80 yard touchdown. For the season, Alexander finished with 37 catches for 658 yards and 7 touchdowns. If you he was with the team all season and produced the same thoughout the whole season, he would’ve roughly caught 59 passes for 1,053 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those aren’t bad numbers by any stretch of the means.

Alexander is only 24 years old and at 6″5′, 217 pounds, he provides great size. He’s a big target across the middle of the field for Rivers. His speed is disguised by his size but he can get the job done if he has to. He’s physical and breaks tackles on his way to bringing the ball in. Letting Alexander step up and take the number one spot could allow the Chargers to save some money to go after other big names in free agency like Andy Levitre and Paul Kruger.

What do you guys think the Chargers should do in the wide receiver department? Comment below!

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