SAN DIEGO -- Much has been made about the subtractions from and additions to the San Diego Chargers' receiving corps this offseason.
Amid of all the change is the development of an intriguing Southern California kid who could have a major role in the offense this season. San Diego State product Vincent Brown came on strong in the second half of 2011, his rookie season. Showing his versatility and polish, Brown finished with 19 catches for 329 yards, a fancy 17.3 per-catch average.
All but two of Brown’s catches were for first downs.
The way Brown has performed so far in training camp and the way he has been used suggest he could be in for a big increase in production in his second season. As the Chargers move away from the Vincent Jackson days (he signed a monster deal with Tampa Bay), Brown will be part of an ensemble cast that includes incumbent starter Malcom Floyd and free-agent pickups Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal.
What makes Brown valuable in this group is that he can play every receiver position. With a team that runs multiple-receiver sets, this will come in handy.
“He is so smooth,” San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said of Brown. “He had a great offseason. … He’s going to be a big part of the offense.”