Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is at the Senior Bowl practices this week, scouting players in what could be his last NFL draft for the Chargers.

Team president Dean Spanos has made it clear that in retaining Smith, and coach Norv Turner, he expects immediate results next season. After two years of missing the playoffs—and but one postseason win in four years—Smith has to have a solid draft.

But it's also clear that Smith has some key verdicts to reach regarding players on the roster. The Chargers have 19 significant free agents and how Smith handles those negotiations and which players he elects to bring back could go a long way in determining if Smith is invited back after the 2012 season.