The left tackle position is arguably one of the weaker groups on the Chargers’ roster, given the lack of pure firepower. However, could there be someone that brings that this upcoming season?
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport believes so. Insert Trey Pipkins.
Here’s what Davenport had to say about Pipkins being Los Angeles’ “best kept secret”:
Heading into the 2019 draft, Trey Pipkins III was considered a talented but raw tackle prospect after playing collegiately at Sioux Falls. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com labeled him a likely Day 3 pick.
“Developmental tackle prospect who offers NFL-caliber size, length and athletic ability for teams willing to work out the technique kinks,” Zierlein wrote. “Pipkins has quick feet but needs to prove he can gain adequate depth with his initial pass slides in order to work to his set points against edge speed. He has Day 3 draft potential, but the jump in competition makes him a likely practice squad candidate early on.”
But then the Chargers spent a third-round pick on Pipkins, traded veteran tackle Russell Okung and didn’t sign or draft an obvious replacement—despite the fact that Pipkins allowed four sacks in 251 snaps as a rookie.
As things stand today, Pipkins is the front-runner to be the blind-side protector for either Tyrod Taylor or rookie Justin Herbert when the Bolts travel to Cincinnati in Week 1.
Head coach Anthony Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco appear to have seen something in the young 6’6″, 304-pounder.
Soon enough, we’ll see if they are right.
Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick from the 2019 NFL draft, wasn’t expected to take a single snap in his rookie season. However, that narrative took a turn when Russell Okung dealt with a combination of a serious health issue and injuries.
Pipkins was forced into the action as early as Week 4 and saw the bulk of his playing time come starting in Week 10. Like any rookie offensive lineman, he experienced some struggles against NFL pass-rushers, but as he received more playing, his strengths became more apparent.
Plays like this exemplify what Pipkins is capable of doing.
Going into the 2020 season, the ball is in Pipkins’ court for the starting job after the team didn’t acquire a single left tackle this offseason. He will have to fend off others that will be in contention for the role, which includes Sam Tevi, Storm Norton, Trent Scott and possibly Forrest Lamp.
For most, not addressing the left side of the line was a mistake. But the team is hopeful that offensive line coach James Campen — one of the best developers of offensive linemen in the league — and a change in offensive scheme will elevate the play.
“He gets what you’re asking him to do. I think he has a lot of potential,” Campen said about Pipkins.