San Diego

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 24th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Chargers Park, San Diego, CA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: With Drew Brees having bolted to New Orleans, the Chargers' top brass, coaching staff, and fan base will be scrutinizing the work of former first-round pick Philip Rivers closely. Behind Rivers, the battle for No. 2 duties between A.J. Feeley and rookie Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) will also be worth watching. Rivers' supporting cast, most notably running back LaDanian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates, is strong, but the thin offensive line will have to stay healthy and hold up over the course of camp. Second-round draft pick Marcus McNeill (Auburn), whom some thought to have first round talent, could be given an opportunity to start. On defense, the Achilles heel has long been the secondary, which prompted the team to draft cornerback Antonio Cromartie (Florida State) in the first round this past year. Cromartie should unseat either Quentin Jammer or Drayton Florence with a good camp. Former Panther Marlon McCree also figures to step into a starting job at free safety.