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Projecting Chargers’ offensive depth chart for 2021

Predicting the Chargers’ offensive depth chart heading into the 2021 season.

The Chargers are just a little over a week away from their season opener against The Washington Football Team under new head coach Brandon Staley, and with that, the positions are set after finalizing their 53-man roster.

The team has yet to release the official depth chart, so let’s dive into how the offensive side of the ball could shape up heading into the 2021 season, highlighting who is likely to start and serve as depth pieces behind them.

Quarterback

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
QB	Justin Herbert	Chase Daniel	Easton Stick

Herbert is QB1 while Daniel will likely be the other active signal-caller on game days. Even though Stick will be inactive, he gives the team flexibility in case of any COVID-19 related emergency.

Running back

	Starter	Backup	Reserve	Reserve
RB	Austin Ekeler	Justin Jackson	Larry Rountree	Joshua Kelley

Ekeler will continue do it all out of the backfield, lined up in the slot and out wide. Jackson figures to get the bulk of carries behind him, assuming he stays healthy. Rountree gets the nod over Kelley after outperforming him in the summer. Nonetheless, both will be featured in short-yardage situations for the most.

Fullback

Starter

Gabe Nabers

Nabers is the only fullback on the roster. His primary responsibility will be to serve as an additional blocker and special teams ace, but he could get some targets through the air when short yards are needed.

Wide receiver

	Starter	Backup
WR1	Keenan Allen	K.J. Hill
WR2	Mike Williams	Jalen Guyton
WR3	Josh Palmer

The hope is that Williams is fully healthy by next weekend. Palmer sits above Guyton on the depth chart after proving himself as a reliable WR3 this summer, showing the ability to consistent get open and catch everything thrown his way. However, Guyton should still see the field quite a bit due to his speed. Plus, Joe Lombardi rotates his receivers on a consistent basis based on the defensive scheme. Hill will be a primary return specialist.

Tight end

	Starter	Backup	Reserve	Reserve
TE	Jared Cook	Donald Parham	Tre’ McKitty	Stephen Anderson

Nothing surprising here. Cook and Parham will be the primary pass-catching tight ends, while McKitty serves as an in-line blocker. Anderson brings receiving and blocking chops, but he was kept on the roster to be a key special teamer.

Offensive line

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
LT	Rashawn Slater	Trey Pipkins
LG	Matt Feiler	Brenden Jaimes
C	Corey Linsley	Scott Quessenberry
RG	Oday Aboushi
RT	Bryan Bulaga	Storm Norton

The starting five have been set in stone for awhile, so there aren’t any changes here. Norton will be the primary swing tackle, which means that he will slide in at the left or right tackle should an injury occur to Slater or Bulaga. Pipkins is still developing. Jaimes is the swing guard. Quessenberry is the swing center, with the ability to play any of the guard spots if needed.

Status of Chargers’ swing tackle ahead of 2021 season

The Chargers are set with their starting tackles, but what about the primary backup?

The Chargers are locked in with Rashawn Slater and Bryan Bulaga as the starting tackles. But for a position group that has had bad luck with injuries, the next man up is just as important.

Heading into the 2021 season, it’s second-year Storm Norton who will be the primary swing tackle, according to Brandon Staley. Staley mentioned how pleased the staff has been with Norton’s development.

The swing tackle is the first-backup offensive lineman who can fill in at both left and right tackle if needed.

Joe Lombardi added that Norton is the preferred option at right tackle if Bulaga, who missed time last season, is out as opposed to moving Matt Feiler from guard outside and starting rookie Brenden Jaimes.

The decision to name Norton the team’s swing tackle comes after the summer in which he outperformed Trey Pipkins.

Pipkins, the former third-round selection, entered training camp with the expectation that he was going to take a step forward, but he had his fair of struggles in the preseason.

Staley admitted that he will need to improve, but Pipkins gives them depth at that position that they feel they’ll need moving forward.

Chargers’ Brandon Staley gives honest assessment of Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton

The lack of depth along the Chargers offensive line is evident.

With starters Rashawn Slater and Bryan Bulaga sidelined for nearly the entire preseason, this has been an excellent time for their backups to prove to the coaching staff that they can be counted on, should an injury occur.

Unfortunately, while there have been plenty of opportunities to show their worths, the product on the field has not been all that positive, especially for the returners Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton.

On Sunday evening, Pipkins and Norton had no answer for the 49ers edge defenders. In particular, Pipkins was outmatched by Jordan Willis, who sacked for Easton Stick for a safety and forced him into a holding penalty.

Norton, on the other hand, didn’t play as poorly as Pipkins did but he was still far too inconsistent to be counted on during a regular-season game.

While they aren’t to blame for the complete outcome, the line still gave up five sacks, six additional tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits.

The underwhelming performances from Pipkins and Norton did not go without being brought up to head coach Brandon Staley, who had a harsh yet honest response.

“Those two guys were able to see where they’re at with their game,” coach Staley said of Norton and Pipkins following the game. “Those two guys got a really accurate picture of where they’re at.”

Prior to training camp, I mentioned that the battle of the swing tackle would be one of the most compelling position competitions and with only one game remaining to evaluate, it’s a bit concerning.

If either Slater or Bulaga went down with an injury, the team could play Matt Feiler at tackle and plug in rookie Brenden Jaimes at left guard or keep Feiler where he is at and let Jaimes protect the edges.

While it seems reasonable, it still speaks to the lack of depth at the position. Los Angeles boosted the starting five this offseason, but failed to bring in competent players behind them.

Only time will tell if the team makes any other changes to the group prior to the start of the season.

Chargers injury updates: Chris Rumph II, Bryan Bulaga, Nasir Adderley

Checking in on the status of a few of the Chargers players.

The Chargers finished up their first of two practices with the 49ers on Thursday.

Los Angeles had the majority of their key players out on the field, but there were still a few that were non-participants.

Here’s a look at some of the notables that did not practice:

RT Bryan Bulaga (hip flexor)

S Nasir Adderley (migraine)

EDGE Chris Rumph II (heel)

OT Rashawn Slater (lower back)

WR Mike Williams (hip)

WR Joe Reed (ankle)

Head coach Brandon Staley said that Bulaga would be able to play if they were preparing for a real game.

Staley said Rumph is dealing with a little bone bruise on his heel. The injury is not considered serious, and they’re hopeful he’s able to back at practice next week.

Staley said Slater is “feeling good” and decided to play it safe by not having him practice today.

Staley said Williams is “trending positive” and the team is hopeful they will have him back soon.

While all of the updates from the non-participants appear to be positive, they’re unclear of the severity of Reed’s injury.

These 8 Chargers players will not play any preseason games

There are eight confirmed Chargers players that will not play this preseason.

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The Chargers are set to begin a three-game preseason slate that starts this Saturday night against the Rams.

While fans are eager to see some of their favorite players hit the field again, the wait might have to extend into next month when the regular season begins.

Following Thursday’s practice, head coach Brandon Staley said that Justin Herbert, Derwin James, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Corey Linsley, Bryan Bulaga, Linval Joseph, and Jared Cook will not play any preseason games.

The list of players mentioned is comprised of some of the top guys that they can’t afford to lose to an injury. For a team that has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, it has been one of Staley’s top priorities since taking over.

There will be some notable players that hit the field, but likely in a limited capacity. Instead, the preseason will primarily consist of the rookies and those who are fighting for playing time or a spot on the 53-man roster.

Chargers 2021 Training Camp Position Battles: Who will be primary swing tackle?

There will be a competition for the backup to Rashawn Slater and Bryan Bulaga at Chargers training camp.

After shifting their primary focus to the offensive line this offseason, the Chargers’ starting tackles are set in stone, with rookie Rashawn Slater slated to protect quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside and veteran Bryan Bulaga returning to man the right side.

However, for a team that has dealt with injuries up front along the edges in the past, especially to Bulaga last season, they have to be prepared for worst-case scenario. That is why the battle for the backup tackle spot is an intriguing competition during training camp.

Returning players who are vouching for a spot are Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton.

Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick of the 2019 NFL draft, has made eight starts. He has shown some growth but not enough to move the needle, yet the team still remains bullish on him. Norton, on the other hand, who was signed last offseason, played well in his three starts at right tackle.

Added into the mix will be rookies Brenden Jaimes, Darius Harper and Kyle Spalding.

Drafted in the fifth-round out of Nebraska, Jaimes set a school record with 40 consecutive starts. Even though he played his entire collegiate career at tackle, Jaimes projects as a guard due to his lack of measurements. However, he has proven to play tackle at a high level.

Harper earned All-AAC Honorable Mention in 2020 at right tackle for Cincinnati. He was a part of a unit that allowed a AAC-low nine sacks. Spalding, the former San Diego State product, was a First-Team Mountain West selection last season after allowing one sack.

Given the professional experience, Pipkins and Norton are the front-runners for the spot. However, heading into camp, the two must show improvement with their functional strength to hold up against stronger pass-rushers on a snap-to-snap basis.

While I ultimately expect Pipkins and Norton to be the next men up on the depth chart, Jaimes is the one who could prove his worth to the coaching staff for the role, with upside to start over the two if called upon.

Meanwhile, Harper and Spalding will likely be competing for a spot on the practice squad.

Communication key for Chargers new-look offensive line

Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga talks about the core quality of the offensive line in 2021.

The Chargers boast one of the most talented offensive lines that the team has had in years after the offseason acquisitions of veterans Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi, as well as rookie Rashawn Slater.

On paper, the group looks capable of giving quarterback Justin Herbert plenty of time to distribute the wealth and clear holes in the running game. But to make it all come to fruition, the unit must be on the same page at all times.

Right tackle Bryan Bulaga stressed the importance of communication in order to achieve success this upcoming season.

“First things first, with us up front, it’s all about communication,” Bulaga said. “I think when you can have good communication in the offensive line room, that’s only gonna help the group perform better on Sundays.

Obviously, throughout a game week or throughout training camp or what we’ve been in right now, especially with the new scheme, we’re installing things and seeing it for the first time, so being on the field with it for the first time, there’s gonna be a lot of questions.

There’s gonna be things that we don’t have the answers to right now because this is new to all the guys, but having a coach who’s able to communicate those things and be clear about what we need to do and make sure there’s no gray area is great.”

Offensive line coach Frank Smith’s philosophy of “clear, consistent, concise communication,” is what he wants to engrave to build the group’s culture and vision as they adjust to working together and getting accustomed to the new offense and blocking schemes.

By understanding each other, making the right calls, being able to read defenses, tell how they’re going to play certain ways and how they’re going to take on certain blocks should see it all work out.

During the spring in classroom sessions and OTAs, the line began the gelling process. Heading into training camp later this month, the group will throw on pads and get live reps, which should enhance their communication skills ahead of the regular season.

Last season, Pro Football Focus had Los Angeles ranked as the worst offensive line in football, and the run blocking was far too inconsistent.

The Chargers are certainly hoping that good things will happen in 2021 for this new-look offensive line, which could dictate a good portion of the offense’s success.

Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga ‘very impressed’ with rookie Rashawn Slater

The veteran had high praise for the rookie.

During the pre-draft process, there were some evaluators who labeled Rashawn Slater as the top tackle prospect in the class, even over Lions’ Penei Sewell.

Slater, the Chargers’ first-round pick, has lived up to his hype in the early going, as veteran offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga has been highly impressed by him so far.

“Putting my scouting hat on right now even though I’m not a scout, I think physical traits-wise, he checks all those boxes,” Bulaga said, per the team’s official website.

“I think movement and his footwork and how smooth he is in pass protection and run, those are all things that are good and essential, but I think so far from what we have gone through on the field and watching tape and seeing how he’s picked up things, I’m very impressed by it.

I think he’s gonna be a guy that catches on really quick and is able to at least certainly get comfortable with the scheme before we go out there for the first time and do it for real.”

Bulaga noted that Slater could experience some growing pains, just like he did in his first season in this league. But as long as he’s comfortable with the scheme and with his assignments, and he’s constantly communicating with the other members up front, the transition should be smooth.

With reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Justin Herbert’s longevity a priority, Los Angeles needs as much talent as possible, and Slater’s presence brings a major upgrade to a crucial position.

In his final season of college, Slater was a wall against elite competition, with the likes of Chase Young (Football Team), Zack Baun (Saints) and AJ Epenesa (Bills), allowing zero sacks, just one quarterback hit and four quarterback hurries on 355 pass-blocking reps.

In training camp, which starts on July 28, Slater will really get to show his worth in one-on-ones against elite edge defender Joey Bosa.

Ranking the AFC West: Offensive Tackles

We move from the offensive skill positions to the big fellas who do the dirty work. We start with the pass protectors who give the quarterbacks time to work and find open receivers.

1. Broncos

Starters: LT Garett Bolles, RT Bobby Massie

After a rough first couple of years, Bolles has turned into one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Last season he gave up just a half-sack in 15 starts.

Massie too was considered a middling starter for most of his career but has quietly stepped up the past few seasons as the starting right tackle in Chicago. A solid 2018 season earned him a 4-year extension, but injuries ended his past couple of seasons.

2. Chiefs

Starters: LT Orlando Brown Jr, RT Mike Remmers

Brown comes over in a trade with the Ravens, becoming the division’s only Pro Bowl tackle. Brown has been to two Pro Bowls in three NFL seasons. The Chiefs lost former first overall pick Eric Fisher to injury and managed to replace him with a potential upgrade.

Remmers stepped in at right tackle for the injured Mitchell Schwartz last season and earned a return as the starter. In ten starts, Remmers didn’t give up a single sack.

3. Raiders

Starters: LT Kolton Miller, RT Alex Leatherwood

Miller has improved each season, playing into the level of one of the more solid left tackles in the league. He gave up a respectable two sacks in 2020 in 14 starts. His run blocking has been better, but could still use some work.

The Raiders made former Alabama left tackle Alex Leatherwood their pick at 17 overall in the draft and will put him at right tackle. Leatherwood is known as a strong run blocker but has some concerns as a pass protector. He will get his shot at right tackle to see if he can hold up.

4. Chargers

Starters: LT Rashawn Slater, RT Bryan Bulaga

Veteran Bryan Bulaga is a proven talent. Though he is coming off a down season, giving up 3.5 sacks in just ten starts. He is joined by 13th overall pick Rashawn Slater, widely considered one of the top tackles in this draft. Then again, left tackle in the pros isn’t always an immediate transition.

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Projecting the Chargers’ offensive line depth chart in 2021

The Los Angeles Chargers have a solid starting five up front. But what about the depth?

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Next up, I project what the offensive line room will look like heading into the 2021 season.

LT: Rashawn Slater

Many, including myself, did not expect Slater to see a slide to where the Chargers were selecting at No. 13. After he did, it was a no-brainer for the team who needed a franchise left tackle. While there are some who still believe he will be a better guard in this league due to his lack of height and arm length, given how he fared against Chase Young along with other elite edge defenders in college and his traits at the position, I think Slater will be just fine at protecting the blindside.

Backups: Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton

LG: Matt Feiler

One of the best value moves made by Los Angeles was signing Feiler. He started 40 games for the Steelers since joining them in 2016, including 29 games in the last two seasons – 26 at right tackle and 13 at left guard. During his time with Pittsburgh, he was a contributor to holding opponents to the fewest sacks in the NFL over the past three seasons. His consistency and durability and ability to fill in at multiple spots along the line will go a long way at maintaining competency up front.

Backups: Brenden Jaimes, Scott Quessenberry

C: Corey Linsley

Among the plethora of offseason acquisitions made by the Chargers, arguably the best one was signing the All-Pro center. Named first-team All-Pro and rated Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 center from 2020, Linsley didn’t allow a sack or a tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage vs. the run. He allowed just four total pressures last season on 437 pass-blocking snaps — the lowest pressure total in the NFL. With Linsley, L.A. now has a dependable and consistent presence to anchor the offensive line.

Backups: Scott Quessenberry

RG: Oday Aboushi

The team released Trai Turner and went out and signed Aboushi in correspondence. Aboushi stepped into a starting role in the second half of the year for the Lions in 2020 and thrived. On 1,875 total snaps, he has only blown 33 blocks (19 pass, 14 run). Aboushi will have some competition in training camp with fifth-round pick Brenden Jaimes. But given the fact that he is coming off his best season yet and is more experienced, Aboushi should lock up the starting spot.

Backups: Brenden Jaimes, Scott Quessenberry

RT: Bryan Bulaga

Bulaga is the only returning member on the offensive line. After signing with the Chargers last offseason, the 34-year old was hit with a variety of injuries, limiting his time on the field to just 10 games. According to Sports Info Solutions, Bulaga surrendered 10 pressures (7 pass, 3 run) on 418 total snaps. If Bulaga is dinged up again, the team could move Feiler to right tackle and slide Jameis into the left guard spot or vice versa.

Backups: Trey Pipkins, Brenden Jaimes, Storm Norton