Tag: Chargers Offensive Tackle

Why Chargers should be interested in recently released OT Tyrell Crosby

The Los Angeles Chargers would be wise to strengthen the depth of the offensive line.

Heading into the 2021 regular season, one of the biggest concerns for the Chargers is the lack of depth along the line, particularly at the tackle position.

As Los Angeles finalizes the 53-man roster, they are also looking at players that are currently on the market to see if they might be of assistance, and one of them who they could benefit from is Tyrell Crosby.

The Lions released Crosby on Monday. The 25-year old appeared in 38 games, 18 of which he started.

Crosby, a fifth-round pick of the 2018 NFL draft, has taken snaps at both left and right tackle. In three seasons, he has allowed only seven sacks, with his best performance in pass protection coming just last season.

Familiarity is an additional bonus when it comes to potentially bringing in a player, and it just so happens that Crosby protected quarterback Justin Herbert for two seasons at the University of Oregon (2016, 17).

Detroit did waive Crosby with an injury designation, so even if the Bolts want to claim him, the physical would be vital in determining his future with the team.

Nonetheless, Crosby has proven himself in a starting capacity, which means that he would bring plenty of value as a swing tackle.

The Chargers have the thirteenth-highest waiver priority, lessening their chances of grabbing him but the team would be wise to still put a claim in.

Chargers 2021 NFL Draft Target: OT Christian Darrisaw

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw under the microscope.

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.

Vitals

Height | 6-5

Weight | 314

College Bio Page

One-Liner

Darrisaw is an enormous lineman with size, length and highly impressive athleticism, physicality and movement skills to match, but his hand use needs further development.

Highlights

Strengths

Massive man with a great build and the long arms.

Locks down pass rushers once he gets his aggressive hands on them.

Anchors well in his pass-sets, staying relaxed prior to punch.

Powerful blocker in the run game and shows the leverage, balance and nastiness to be a finisher at the first and second levels.

High-level athlete on the move, showing excellent foot speed and agility when asked to move off his spot.

Can get depth with his kick-step and cut off the edge, agile enough to reset and protect his inside shoulder from there.

Always on alert and avoids tunnel vision.

34 career starts. Gave up zero hits or sacks on 293 pass-block snaps in 2020, per Pro Football Focus

Weaknesses

Wide hands and exposes his chest. Doesn’t trust his punch timing, causing him to catch rushers.

Hand placement is sporadic, often landing outside his target.

Tendency to duck his head and lean into defenders.

When mirroring, will open hips, often giving up depth by doing this instead of anchoring to meet the pass-rusher.

Chargers Fit

Darrisaw projects as a NFL starter at left tackle. He is solid in most areas but his excellent ability in pass protection, physicality in the run game and overall size and length give him a high ceiling.

Projected Round: Top 20

Chargers never inquired into trading for OT Trent Williams

The Los Angeles Chargers are content with the in-house options.

Offensive tackle Trent Williams found his new home on Saturday after being shipped from the Redskins to the 49ers in exchange for third and fifth-round selections.

The Chargers had been mentioned as a potential destination for the 31-year old tackle, but it appears that they never had interest in him after all.

According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, general manager Tom Telesco, Los Angeles never inquired into Williams.

After the compensation was announced for Williams, the majority of the fanbase was scratching their heads knowing that it ultimately didn’t cost San Francisco that much to acquire the seven-time Pro Bowler.

Williams was wanted by most because they felt like he would fill a position that still has a question mark over it. Telesco reiterated that he is comfortable with the in-house options after L.A. didn’t draft a single offensive lineman.

If the Chargers don’t address the position in free agency, they will go into the season with a competition between Trey Pipkins, Sam Tevi, Storm Norton and possibly Forrest Lamp for the starting left tackle job.

12 offensive tackles Chargers could sign in free agency

A quick glance at some offensive tackles the Chargers could look to sign in free agency.

The offensive tackle position will be a focal point for the Chargers this offseason. General manager Tom Telesco, who has a knack for addressing the group via free agency, will have plenty of options to choose from.

Here is a look at 12 players that could bring some intrigue to Los Angeles when the NFL free agent negotiating window opens on March 16, with signings allowed to start on March 18.

Chargers OT Russell Okung downgraded to doubtful

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung is set to miss Monday’s bout with the Chiefs.

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung is set to miss Monday’s bout with the Chiefs.

Okung was listed as questionable on Saturday with the groin injury that knocked him out of last Thursday’s contest against the Raiders. He appears to not be making any progress, however.

Okung has been downgraded to doubtful, which means Los Angeles expects him to miss their Week 11 matchup.

With Okung out, rookie Trey Pipkins will get the start at left tackle. Meanwhile, Trent Scott will start opposite of Pipkins in place of Sam Tevi, who is dealing with a knee injury.

There are no other players behind Pipkins and Scott, so look for the Chargers to call up Spencer Drango from the practice squad to add depth at the position.

Linebacker Drue Tranquill has officially been listed as questionable with a calf injury. He was limited in practice on Saturday.

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