Every season, there are players who break out onto the scene who may not have been dominant the season before, whether they were a backup, dealt with an injury or just improved as a player in the offseason.
This is the fourth story in a 10-part series counting down the top 5 Chargers players who I believe are most likely to have a breakout season in 2020.
Part 1: RB Justin Jackson
Part 2: DT Jerry Tillery
Part 3: FS Nasir Adderley
Trey 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 exemplified 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 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.
Sticking to sports today pic.twitter.com/T4Cx1l64Ua
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) June 14, 2020
Pipkins has done a great job at transforming his body after coming into the league fairly leaner than most at his position. With the schematic change, it’ll be more molded for his strengths, as Pipkins is a very good athlete and moves smoothly in open space.
“He gets what you’re asking him to do. I think he has a lot of potential,” Campen said about Pipkins.