King Dunlap: What do Chargers do with him?

Yesterday the Chargers signed 6’9″ 330 pound King Dunlap after letting Louis Vasquez go to the Denver Broncos. Eagles fans breathe a sigh of relief while Chargers fans start to kick themselves it seems. Dunlap is a former 7th round pick taken by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Oct 14, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle King Dunlap (65) during warmups prior to playing the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. The Lions defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

On the field, Dunlap allowed 6.0 sacks, giving up a total of 49.0 yards. He was penalized seven times for a total of 70.0 yards, including five holding calls and a terrible illegal hands to the face call. He had a terrible game against the Cowboys last season that overshadows a rather, decent season. During that game, in the same drive, he basically tackled Jeremy Maclin for a holding call, then was flagged for illegal hands to the face that negated a first down, then missed a block on 3rd and 15, and then came off the field when the field goal unit came on (the same unit that he’s a part of) and forced Coach Andy Reid to burn a timeout. Later he was flagged again for illegal hands to the face. But that was really his only awful game.

Off the field, Dunlap has had one publicized run in with police. In 2004, he drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk in Nashville and was arrested for disorderly conduct and reckless driving. He claimed he was picking up his father, who was in a wheel chair. The officers asked him to move to a different spot and he refused and was arrested and charged.

So where do the Chargers use Dunlap?

He likely won’t see the field as a starting left tackle. At right tackle, the Chargers could start Jeromey Clary or Jared Gaither. Neither of those choices would be popular with the fan base, but, at this point, neither is Dunlap. Most likely, Dunlap will be used as a back up at both tackle spots who could possibly see a start here and there at right tackle. Keep in mind that Dunlap could be sort of a “project” player. Success is contagious and being a part of that Eagles team last season could bring anyone down. The Chargers line was almost just as bad, but they’re looking to change all of that this season.