Selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Sioux Falls, Trey Pipkins was tabbed as a developmental tackle with the potential to grow into a starting role.
However, the product on the field suggested otherwise, and he was being written off amid his struggles in his first two seasons. Pipkins made eight starts, with five of them coming last year. In that action, he allowed 42 pressures, 24 hurries, nine quarterback hits, and nine sacks.
When Bryan Bulaga went down in the first game of the season, Storm Norton was plugged in as the starting right tackle. Meanwhile, Pipkins came on the field in jumbo packages, but it wasn’t long after that where he was inactive for four straight games due to lackluster play.
That was until Rashawn Slater was ruled out with COVID-19 in Week 15 against the Chiefs when Pipkins was called on to make the start in place of him. It resulted in his best game as a pro. On 42 pass-blocking opportunities, Pipkins allowed just three pressures.
Fast forward two weeks later to this past Sunday’s victory over the Broncos, and Pipkins started at right tackle in the absence of Norton. Raising eyebrows of those who had doubted him, Pipkins did not surrender a single pressure on 32 opportunities.
While he got a bit of assistance from chip blocks and moving pockets, Pipkins displayed a player of much more confidence, an improvement from a technical standpoint in pass protection, and a never-seen brand of strength and physicality as a run-blocker in both games.
The growth of Pipkins is a prime example that scheme and coaching are significant factors in the development of mid- late-rounders, but in particular, offensive tackles. That is why offensive line coaches Frank Smith and Shaun Sarrett deserve credit for the player Pipkins has molded into.
Because of his and Norton’s promising play, it should give the Chargers some flexibility when they assess the position this offseason. Should they move on from Bulaga, the two have shown to be serviceable enough, so that way the team won’t have to spend on a high-priced free agent or take one early in the draft.