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  By Paul Boye February 18, 2010 Perhaps, it wasnt quite the rookie
season Larry English was hoping for, but with the 2009 season in the
past,
English is a player primed for a potential breakout year in 2010.
English,
the No. 16 overall pick in last summers draft, had 36 tackles with two
sacks
and a forced fumble in 2009. Bigger things could be on the horizon for
the Northern
Illinois product, as San Diego star linebacker Shawne Merriman is set
for
restricted free agency. If San
Diego lets Merriman walk, English could find himself in a starting role
in the
coming season.
To
be fair, as the NFL enters a year without a salary cap, its unlikely
that the
Chargers will let Merriman walk, barring a massive deal that prices him
out of
their range. As weve seen with Albert Haynesworth and the huge contract
he
received in the 2009 offseason, though, anything is possible.
So,
what should Charger fans expect out of English? Would he be a suitable
replacement for Merriman?
As
with all young players, its nearly impossible to equate their
accomplishments
with seasoned veterans. No one will say English and his 36 tackles are
on par
with Merriman and his 173 tackles with 43.5 sacks from the linebacker
spot, but
Merrimans recent injury history is sure to make some executives think
twice.
One
thing is certain; English can slide right into San Diegos 3-4 defensive
scheme.
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