On April 26, Trey Pipkins was pulled over on a highway as he was on his way to dinner when he received the phone call of his dreams. The former Sioux Falls product was about to be drafted by the Chargers in the third-round of the 2019 NFL draft.

Many people, including Pipkins, were shocked to hear his name called that early. The small-school standout didn’t have much tape available to see what he had to offer, but Los Angeles knew exactly what they were getting when they selected him.

Though he was inexperienced against top competition, they saw potential in him. To the team, Pipkins boasted the NFL frame, traits, and movement skills that could translate into solid player at this level.

Stamped as a developmental player and one not likely to play in Year 1, Pipkins was forced into his professional regular season debut in an unexpected manner when left tackle Russell Okung went down with a groin injury against the Raiders

Like any rookie, there came growing pains in the first game played. The pass protection was the worst that it’s been this season, allowing 5 sacks and while the majority of the pressure came from right tackle Trent Scott’s side, the Raiders exploited Pipkins’ inexperience at times.

A lot of Pipkins’ woes were resulted in not being able to handle speed off the edge. From the opposite angle, you shouldn’t see his jersey number so clearly if his block is effective. He attempts to get depth, but it’s not enough and defensive end Clelin Ferrell dips and turns the corner with a full steam ahead.

But Pipkins had a handful of positive reps, as well. He was effective to help produce gaps for running back Melvin Gordon on a few occasions.

Here, Pipkins mirrors well to stay in front of his defenders, using adequate footwork and hands.

Ferrell attempts to beat him with an arm over, but Pipkins gets underneath him and blows him off the line of scrimmage.

Pipkins takes Ferrell inside and he quickly recognizes the stunt to allow quarterback Philip Rivers time to throw the touchdown pass.

Here, Pipkins stymies defensive end Maxx Crosby and the defensive tackle.

The bottomline is while Pipkins is not necessarily someone that’s ready to take full-time starting job at the moment, he has made the strides to get adapted to the NFL speed and he has gotten stronger since coming onboard.

Okung is likely to resume his starting duties against the Chiefs next Monday night and moving forward for the rest of the season, but Pipkins showed promise of a player that could be called upon if needed and one that may be a starter down the road.

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