It’s not unusual to see a late-round NFL draft pick find a way to contribute on special teams, but as a rookie, Brandon Siler did much more than that. He excelled in the kicking game. After making the squad as a seventh-round pick in the 2007 draft, Siler led the Chargers with 21 special teams tackles, seven more than the team’s second-leading special teams tackler. For his efforts, the former Florida Gator earned All-Rookie honors from Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America. Siler saw more action on defense as the season moved on and could see his role increase in 2008.



The unquestioned highlight of Siler’s rookie year came in a Week 5 win at Denver. After the Chargers took a 7-0 lead on their opening drive, teammate Carlos Polk knocked the ball loose on the ensuing kickoff. Siler scooped up the loose ball and raced 23 yards for his first career NFL TD that gave the Bolts a 14-0 advantage right out of the shoot.



A three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection at Florida, the Chargers may have made the steal of the 2007 NFL Draft with their selection of Siler in the seventh round. A member of the Gators’ 2007 BCS national championship team, Siler elected to leave school early and make himself available for the NFL Draft following his junior season. An academic honoree as well for his work in the classroom, Siler studied criminology in Gainesville.



To get himself ready for the draft, Siler spent several weeks training with Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis. And when draft day rolled around and Brandon slipped to the seventh round, it was Lewis who called him during the draft to offer words of encouragement. Lewis is a native of Lakeland, Florida who attended the University of Miami, while Siler is from Orlando, less than an hour drive from Lakeland. He and Lewis have maintained a close friendship.