National Football League

Branden Oliver thinks he'll have a role in deep Chargers backfield

Published Jun. 5, 2015 2:00 p.m. ET

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Branden Oliver saw his team take a first-round running back -- not exactly a vote of confidence in the Chargers' second-year back.

But even with Melvin Gordon expected to take over, Oliver is confident he'll have a role on the 2015 team.

"I feel much better (than last year at this time)," he told ESPN. "When I was in the offseason I went over my notes and everything. So when I came in I just hit the ground running."

So Oliver isn't threatened by Gordon's arrival. In fact, he thinks the rookie will add his talents to a backfield that needs to step up its rushing efforts after a down 2014.

San Diego averaged a measly 3.4 yards per carry last season. So, to revive the NFL's second-worst rushing offense, Oliver said it's all hands on deck.

"You have Danny (Woodhead) and what he does -- he's the best pass-catcher out of any running back in the NFL in my opinion," Oliver said. "And you have Donald (Brown), who gives you a spark with the outside zone or blocking, and the same with Melvin (Gordon). And I feel like inside or outside runs, we can all do those things."

But what, specifically, can Oliver add? That's up to the coaching staff to decide.

"I don't like to pinpoint one thing -- I just like to do it all," Oliver said. "Definitely I'm honing in on my pass protection more this year than I did last year. But I never like to limit myself. I want to be real good at every area."

(h/t ESPN)

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