National Football League

Did the Chargers find first-day starters in Gordon, Perryman?

Published Jun. 22, 2015 3:02 p.m. ET

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Tom Telesco's latest rookie class might prove to be his finest work yet -- especially if the general manager's first two picks go according to plan.

ESPN's Eric D. Williams listed both first-round running back Melvin Gordon and second-round linebacker Denzel Perryman as Week 1 starting candidates. That means when the Bolts host the Lions on Sept. 13, either rookie has a shot to be on the field.

That's not news for Gordon, who became the immediate favorite to start in San Diego's backfield the minute he was drafted. But it is surprising for Perryman, who'd have to beat out either Donald Butler or Manti Te'o to earn a first-team nod.

Williams on Gordon: With the departure of Ryan Mathews in free agency, the Chargers needed an every-down running back. San Diego found one in the first round of this year’s draft with the selection of Wisconsin’s Gordon. So far, Gordon has been as good as advertised in offseason workouts. He’s proved a quick study, both on the field and in the classroom. And he’s been better than expected in the passing game. Most important, Gordon won’t be asked to carry the offense. With Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver and Donald Brown, Gordon will be part of a running back by committee approach that should provide a significant improvement for San Diego’s running game in 2015. But Gordon will serve as the bell-cow running back.

Williams on Perryman: Chargers head coach Mike McCoy likes to say, the Chargers drafted inside linebacker Perryman in the second round for a reason -- he adds physicality and playmaking ability to the middle of a San Diego defense that struggled to stop the run last season. Donald Butler and Manti Te'o are still projected to start at inside linebacker in San Diego defensive coordinator John Pagano’s 3-4 defensive scheme. However, the duo missed a combined eight games in 2014. Perryman provides talented insurance should one of those two suffer an injury again in 2015. He also will see time on special teams.

(h/t ESPN)