Casey Hayward, CB, first Pro Bowl selection: The most productive free agent signing for San Diego Chargers GM Tom Telesco this season, Hayward leads the league in interceptions (7) and passes defensed (26). Hayward was selected to the annual all-star game for the first time in his pro career. The Chargers have 17 interceptions on the year, tops in the NFL. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Hayward is an excellent zone defender on the perimeter, but also is versatile enough in man coverage to travel with the opposing team’s best receiver.
Quarterback Philip Rivers (second alternate), tight end Antonio Gates (third), running back Melvin Gordon (third) and defensive end Joey Bosa (fourth) were selected as alternates.
SNUBS
Melvin Gordon, RB: The Wisconsin product had a bounce-back season after finishing without a touchdown his rookie year. Gordon had offseason microfracture knee surgery and has missed a game this year with a hip strain and a knee sprain. However, Gordon is three yards short of his first 1,000-yard season and his 12 total touchdowns is tied for sixth in the NFL.
Joey Bosa, DE: The Ohio State product missed training camp due to a contract stalemate over offset language and the deferred payment of signing bonus money. On his first practice at Chargers Park after finally signing his contact in September, Bosa suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the first four games of the regular season. Still, Bosa tops the Chargers with 7.5 sacks in 10 games, and should be in the conversation for defensive rookie of the year.
Melvin Ingram, OLB: Ingram is second on the team in sacks (7) and first in quarterback pressures (38). In his fifth season, Ingram has developed into more of a complete player for the Chargers, specifically as a run defender. And he also has developed as a leader, serving as a defensive co-captain this year.
Matt Slauson, C: The eight-year veteran has provided leadership and stability to a position where the Chargers have needed a long-term answer since the retirement of Nick Hardwick at the end of the 2014 season. A longtime guard, Slauson is the only San Diego offensive linemen to play every snap this season, and has helped clear the way for Gordon’s productive second year in the league.