Tag: Corey Linsley

Chargers’ Corey Linsley talks state of offensive line

The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the best offensive lines they’ve had in years.

The Chargers completely remodeled the offensive line this offseason after finishing as one of the worst positional groups in the league last season.

Among the crop of players that Los Angeles brought in was All-Pro center Corey Linsley, who became the highest-paid player at his position.

At his media availability, Linsley was asked what he thought of the group as a whole in the early stages of being together.

“Great group of dudes, man,” Linsley said. “A great room. Coach Frank Smith is a great coach. He’s extremely intelligent. He knows the game and has been around a little bit, so he’s seen a lot of guys.

The room is awesome. I know [T] Bryan [Bulaga]. I knew what I was getting there. He’s a great dude. Everybody else, we’ve been jelling pretty good so far. Hoping to take that into camp and keep this thing rolling.”

Linsley was joined by veterans Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi, as well as rookies Rashawn Slater and Brenden Jaimes. In addition, the unit is aided by new offensive line coaches, Frank Smith and Shaun Sarrett.

The starting five is pretty much set in stone, with Slater, Feiler, Linsley, Aboushi and Bulaga engineering the line, while the backup spots will be determined in training camp.

On paper, they have the talent to give quarterback Justin Herbert plenty of time to throw and generate consistent movement in the run game. However, ensuring the core of the group stays healthy throughout the entire season will be pivotal.

Chargers’ Corey Linsley among ESPN’s biggest offseason upgrades

Signing the All-Pro center was the Los Angeles Chargers’ best move of the offseason.

Among the plethora of offseason acquisitions made by the Chargers, arguably the best one was signing All-Pro center Corey Linsley.

ESPN’s Mike Clay recently graded the 25 biggest veteran position upgrades during the 2021 offseason and Linsley landed at No. 4 on the list.

Offensive line has been a problem for the Chargers for quite a while, but the franchise made big improvements during the offseason by signing one of the league’s best centers in Linsley and drafting tackle Rashawn Slater in the first round. Linsley is the focus here, of course, as he’s a known commodity.

The former Packers star ranked sixth in pass block win rate and first in run block win rate among centers last season. He also graded out as the best center in the NFL at PFF. Feeney, meanwhile, had the worst PFF grade among non-rookie centers, and the 2017 third-round pick is now with the Jets.

After having some of the worst production at the position last season from Dan Feeney, Los Angeles now has the cream of the crop with Linsley.

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.

L.A. now has a dependable and consistent presence to anchor their offensive line. Linsley made quarterback Aaron Rodgers very happy during his time Green Bay, and he’ll now do the same for QB Justin Herbert.

4 Chargers who are primed to make first Pro Bowl

The Los Angeles Chargers have a few players who could make their Pro Bowl debut.

Every year, the Chargers send a few players to the Pro Bowl.

Sure, awards are the more highly coveted recognition for players, but Pro Bowl selections do matter. The game isn’t as popular to watch anymore, but in a league with over 1,600 players, being in that top 5 percent is an honor.

There is a lot of talent on this year’s roster and the Bolts will likely send some to the annual all-star game that hasn’t been there before.

Here are four that could find their way to Las Vegas, NV at the end of the season:

RB Austin Ekeler

Like a handful of other Chargers players, Ekeler is among those who’s not given enough credit for what his production on the field. With his multi-dimensional skillset, Ekeler has totaled 1,901 yards on the ground and 2,079 receiving yards as well as 25 touchdowns in four seasons.

With a competent offensive line and an offensive coordinator in Joe Lombardi, who has historically gotten his running backs involved in the passing game more than almost any other team, Ekeler could be in for one of his best seasons yet.

CB Michael Davis

Davis is one of the league’s most underrated corners, and he is bound for a big season.

Last season, Davis slowed some of the league’s top receivers and made a few big plays in critical situations. He was on the field for 92% of the team’s defensive snaps, logging 64 tackles, 14 passes defensed and three interceptions, all of which were personal bests.

Davis’ versatility in coverage, length and athleticism make him an excellent fit for head coach Brandon Staley’s system.

LB Kenneth Murray

Murray is an ascending player, who could truly come into his own in a defense that’s going to play to his strengths.

After being handed a heavy load in his rookie season, Murray finished the 2020 campaign with 107 total tackles (most by rookie since 2000), one sack, five tackles for loss and one quarterback hit.

Looking ahead to this upcoming season, Staley’s defense will allow him to flourish as a run defender and a blitzer. The team is going to get him playing more downhill, which is what he had success with at Oklahoma.

Knowing that this is what you can expect from Murray moving forward, don’t be surprised if he is top-3 in tackles next season.

C Corey Linsley

The fact that Linsley earned All-Pro honors is far more superior than being named to the Pro Bowl. But since entering the league in 2014, Linsley has still yet to make the trip.

Starting 99 games since his rookie season, Linsley has been a solid contributor up front.

Linsley helped the Packers tie for second in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed and was part of the top-scoring offense last season.

With a combination of athleticism, movement skills and football intelligence, he is a key piece to stabilize the interior part of Los Angeles’ offensive line.

2021 expectations for Chargers’ newest free agent signings

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the roles that the free agents from this offseason will have in 2021.

In part of the roster reconstruction, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco didn’t shy away from adding a few earlier this offseason.

With that in mind, here is what fans can expect from each of Telesco’s acquisitions heading into the upcoming season:

C Corey Linsley

The acquisition of Linsley fills the void at center in a big way, as he is a former All-Pro player and perhaps the best center in football. Linsley will help both in the passing game, especially with stunts up the middle, and the running game, as well as aid quarterback Justin Herbert in his pre-snap assessments and protection adjustments. A proven veteran like Linsley is a massive upgrade to the offensive line.

G Matt Feiler

After acquiring Linsley, the Chargers picked up Feiler to serve as the starting left guard, despite having experience at both tackle and guard. His primary position from Day 1 will be along the interior, but if an injury occurred to Bryan Bulaga, Feiler is capable of playing right tackle. He will be a key piece in both the passing and running game. In 1,499 pass-blocking snaps, Feiler only blew 31. In 903 run-blocking snaps, he only blew eight, per Sports Info Solutions.

G Oday Aboushi

The Chargers failed to get consistency at the right guard position from Trai Turner last season. The team released Turner and went out and signed Aboushi in correspondence. Aboushi was a great value signing at one year, $1.6 million. He will have some competition in fifth-round Brenden Jaimes this summer, but given the fact that he is coming off his best season yet as a pro with the Lions, Aboushi should lock up the starting spot. Aboushi gives the team a physical blocker in both departments as well as a gritty presence in the room.

TE Jared Cook

With Hunter Henry signing with the Patriots, the Chargers needed to acquire a starting tight end. Cook was that guy. More experienced as a receiver than a blocker, Cook will provide a big frame in the middle of the field and down the seam for quarterback Justin Herbert. Cook is familiar with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and the scheme he will try to run, so it will help in the learning curve.

CB Ryan Smith

While he has experience as a starter in the secondary, Smith’s money with the Chargers will be made on special teams, where he will aide in the coverage units. Last season, Smith appeared in all 16 regular-season games for the Buccaneers and played 78 percent of the special teams snaps (360). He also played at least 73 percent of the special teams snaps in each of the team’s four postseason games.

EDGE Kyler Fackrell

The Chargers entered the offseason with a need at the position knowing that the depth was thin, with the only other players they had were Joey Bosa, Uchenna Nwosu and Jesse Lemonier. With Bosa and Nwosu slated to start, Fackrell will come in as rotational pass-rusher, with the majority of his work coming on special teams, having played over 1,000 special teams snaps in his career.

DT Christian Covington

The Chargers did not address the position in the draft, despite it being a group that needed additional depth. To fulfill it, the team signed Covington. Covington possesses versatility up front as he has experience playing anywhere from nose tackle to outside of the tackles. Similar to Damion Square, Covington will likely back up Jerry Tillery and Justin Jones. He is a guy who is capable of disrupting the backfield due to his great lateral quickness and burst to jump off the snap as well as length and strength to take on double teams.

Ranking the Chargers’ 6 best offseason acquisitions

Chargers WIre’s Gavino Borquez ranks general manager Tom Telesco’s best moves this offseason.

The Chargers’ offseason moves are essentially over.

Looking to make some noise this upcoming season, general manager Tom Telesco made a handful of moves to reconstruct an already talented roster.

To get a feel for my thoughts on Telesco’s free agency and draft haul, I ranked the six best moves that he made.

Ranking the Chargers offensive units ahead of 2021 NFL draft

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez ranks the offensive side of the ball, from the strongest to the weakest.

The 2021 NFL draft is just four days away.

To get a feel for what the Chargers might do on the offensive side of the ball, I ranked each position group, starting from the strongest working down to the weakest.

14 center prospects Packers could target to replace C Corey Linsley

A closer look at 14 prospects in the 2021 NFL draft capable of helping the Packers replace All-Pro center Corey Linsley.

The Green Bay Packers may not feel an urgent need to replace All-Pro center Corey Linsley with a draft pick, especially with potential internal replacements such as Lucas Patrick and Elgton Jenkins on the roster, but the 2021 draft sure looks like a good one for teams needing a center.

The draft class has appealing options for the Packers in the early, middle and late rounds.

Here’s a list of prospects the Packers could target to help replace Linsley at center:

Better or Worse: Evaluating Chargers offense ahead of NFL draft

The Los Angeles Chargers offense will have a different look, primarily in the trenches.

The Chargers lost a few of their starters from last season, but added some in correspondence via free agency.

But how do they compare now to after the 2020 regular season?

Let’s break it down by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback

Offseason moves: Signed Chase Daniel as an unrestricted free agent from the Lions. Lost Tyrod Taylor as a UFA from the Texans.

Summary: The Chargers are locked in with their quarterback of the future, Justin Herbert. After losing Taylor to Houston, they turned their attention to Daniel, who’s familiar with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system. Daniel isn’t as enticing as a player as Taylor, but he has been considered an ideal veteran mentor for young quarterbacks, which is what he will be, a preceptor to Herbert. Easton Stick, meanwhile, has gotten the short end of the stick, as he has limited experience after not having a preseason last year due to COVID-19. He will battle it out this year for a spot, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he is on the outside looking in, relegated to practice squad role or being released.

Verdict: Slightly better

Running Back

Offseason moves: Lost Kalen Ballage as an unrestricted free agent to the Steelers.

Summary: Ballage was serviceable when he was on the field last season, but despite the loss, the group remains in good shape. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson are a solid one-two punch when they’re healthy and Joshua Kelley just needs to find his mojo. Ekeler will remain a do-it-all back. Jackson can be a threat in both the running and passing game as long as he can stay on the field. Kelley was a bright spot in training camp last year, but he dealt with fumbles and just couldn’t find a groove. I expect him to bounce back. The team might look to draft one late or bring in an undrafted free agent for competition.

Verdict: Same

Wide Receiver

Offseason moves: N/A

Summary: This group remains the same. The Chargers did the right thing by paying Keenan Allen last offseason after proving himself as a top-10 wideout yet again. Mike Williams is entering the final year of his contract. The team chose not to let him play on the fifth-year option because he’s thought highly of, both as a person and a player. Jalen Guyton and Tyron Johnson are ascending deep threats. Guyton is the No. 3 but after experiencing spurts of drops, Johnson could emerge in that role. After quiet seasons from Joe Reed and K.J. Hill, their contributions remain to be seen. Hill is the fifth wideout and Reed is hoping to establish himself as the kick returner and gadget piece offensively. Los Angeles could address the position in the draft, bringing in an explosive element.

Verdict: Same

Tight End

Offseason moves: Signed Jared Cook as an unrestricted free agent from Saints. Lost Hunter Henry as a UFA to the Patriots. Re-signed Stephen Anderson.

Summary: It wasn’t long before Henry was gone, being picked up by head coach Bill Belichick. In correspondence, the Chargers got Cook, who’s another guy familiar with Lombardi’s offense. Cook’s best playing days are behind him, but he stills offers a reliable option for the time being. While he’s more of a liability as a run blocker, he will offer some upside as a pass-catching option. Even before the signing of Cook, Parham likely wasn’t seen as someone capable of manning the full-time starting role. While he’s an intriguing receiving option and a mismatch in the red zone, his blocking still leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why the team re-signed Anderson, who’s the most superior blocker out of the bunch. Los Angeles could use one of their two third-round picks to take a guy like Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble, Miami’s Brevin Jordan, Duke’s Noah Gray or Georgia’s Tre McKitty.

Verdict: Slightly worse

Offensive line

Offseason moves: Signed Corey Linsley from Packers, Matt Feiler from Steelers and Oday Aboushi from Lions. Lost Dan Feeney to Jets, Sam Tevi to Colts, Cole Toner to Texans.

Summary: The Chargers knew their offensive line ranked near the bottom in both the pass and run-blocking departments and a good amount of their success lies in the hands of Herbert, which is why they made the point to build it from the ground up. Linsley was the most expensive signing, but he was the most vital as he is one of the best centers in the league. They have two new starting guards in Feiler and Aboushi. Bryan Bulaga is back to man the right tackle position. All that’s left is filling the left tackle void. Trey Pipkins is penciled in as the starter. Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick of 2019, has shown flashes but he’s still quite a bit away from being relied on in that role. Los Angeles also has Storm Norton on the roster, but he I believe he is nothing more than a swing option. In my opinion, it’s going to come down to Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater, Alijah Vera-Tucker and potentially Teven Jenkins with their first-round pick.

Verdict: Much better

A look at Chargers’ cap space, remaining needs

Breaking down the Los Angeles Chargers’ roster moves, cap space and positions of need.

We are two weeks into NFL free agency, and the Chargers’ roster under head coach Brandon Staley is taking shape.

Here’s a look at Los Angeles’ roster moves:

Gained

OL Corey Linsley

OL Matt Feiler

OL Oday Aboushi

TE Jared Cook

OLB Kyler Fackrell

QB Chase Daniel

Retained

CB Michael Davis

CB Brandon Facyson

TE Stephen Anderson

Lost

TE Hunter Henry (Patriots)

LB Denzel Perryman (Panthers)

QB Tyrod Taylor (Texans)

OL Dan Feeney (Jets)

OT Sam Tevi (Colts)

DL Isaac Rochell (Colts)

LB Nick Vigil (Vikings)

OL Cole Toner (Texans)

L.A. roughly has $25.7 million in salary cap space, according to Over The Cap. This does not reflect the signing of QB Chase Daniel and re-signings of TE Stephen Anderson and CB Brandon Facyson.

What are the team’s remaining needs?

Left tackle

If the Chargers wish to get the most out of quarterback Justin Herbert, they need to protect him at all costs. At the moment, Trey Pipkins is penciled in as the starter. Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick of 2019, has shown flashes but he’s still quite a bit away from being relied on in that role. Los Angeles also has Storm Norton on the roster, but he I believe he is nothing more than a swing option.

Cornerback

One of the biggest priorities for L.A. was re-signing Michael Davis, which they took care of. But even after making the move, the team still has a void to fill after releasing Casey Hayward. The Bolts still have Chris Harris, Jr. as the other starter and even though they re-signed Brandon Facyson, I don’t think he’s ready to step in as a permanent starter. Given how vital the position is in Brandon Staley’s system, they need more talent.

Safety

After the loss of Rayshawn Jenkins, there are only three safeties on the roster: Derwin James, Nasir Adderley and Alohi Gilman. The Chargers might be banking on Staley maximizing Adderley’s skillset in 2021 after a rough sophomore season, but given the fact that Staley likes to roll with three-safety looks, the team will be looking to add another one or two.

Guard

Los Angeles found their two probable starters in Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi. However, the depth behind them is practically nonexistent. For a team that has dealt with the injury bug up front, they could benefit from adding a couple to solidify the group for the upcoming season.

Interior defensive line

The Chargers have a solid foundation with Linval Joseph, Justin Jones and Jerry Tillery. While it’s not the most pressing need, Staley will look for guys that fit his mold, with that being explosive and versatile players with length. Cortez Broughton is a player that fits that shape, but look for them to upgrade.

Chargers make Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler signings official

The Los Angeles Chargers inked the two offensive linemen to multi-year deals.

Center Corey Linsley and guard Matt Feiler, who had agreed to terms with the Chargers, have now officially signed contracts with the team.

Feiler signed a three-year deal, while Linsley inked a five-year deal, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL.

In addition, Los Angeles made the re-signing of cornerback Michael Davis official.

Linsley started 99 games for the Packers. Voted 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, according to Sports Info Solutions.

Feiler started 40 games for the Steelers since joining them in 2016, including 29 games in the last two seasons. He helped the Pittsburgh offensive line hold opponents to the fewest sacks in the NFL over the past three seasons.

The additions are huge gets for an offensive line that’s under construction. Linsley will fill in at center and the thought is that Feiler will plug in at left guard.