Cleveland, OH. (PFCritics) -- Although he didn't make it in time for the Chargers first training camp date, Antonio Cromartie signed shortly after the practice. Cromartie, the Chargers first rounder, agreed to a five-year deal worth about $12.75 million. The deal would also contain $7.35 million in guaranteed money.

"I'm just excited that they're all here," said Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. "You never know until the process begins. I don't think one day missing practice is going to mean anything."

Cromartie will try to boost a secondary that stuggled to create turnover last year, when their secondary only recorded seven interceptions. The Chargers pass defense was ranked 28th last year, one of the big reasons they failed to make the playoffs.

Cromartie did not play for Florida State all of last season due to a knee injury. He started one game in college, but the Chargers feel he has a lot of potential.

The Chargers also signed offensive tackle Marcus McNeill recently. McNeill played for Auburn after playing several different sports in high school. McNeill was an outstanding run blocker in college and was rated as a first-round draft pick last year. He decided to stay in college for one more year and did just as good as the year before.

McNeill has a very large frame that allows him to have a lot of strength. Although he tends to rely on power, he has enough quickness to keep up with fast linemen. His strength allows him to make a significant impact in the running game as he is able to drive the defender forward and off of his feet. He's not afraid to find a linebacker down the field and do whatever it takes to allow the running back to find an extra yard or two. He has played through injuries before, showing the toughness that he has. His long arms allow him to get a good reach on defenders to stop them from getting by him, but he can sometimes get beat by pure-speed linemen. When a defender tries to run around him and get to the quarterback, McNeill still needs to improve his balance.

McNeill would have been selected higher in the draft last year if he had come out. That's not because he's not as good anymore; there were simply better offensive tackles entering the draft this season than there were last year.