Tag: Forrest Lamp

Chargers 2017 draft class bookended as one of the best in NFL

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler is quite high on the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2017 draft class.

It’s always a fun exercise to revisit previous draft classes by using on-field production in the player’s professional careers to critique how general managers did with their selections and undrafted free agent signings.

That’s exactly what The Athletic’s Dane Brugler did, ranking each NFL team’s 2017 draft classes. With three seasons of play under their belts, he was able to accurately judge the hauls.

For the Chargers, they had one of the better classes among the rest of the league, finishing No. 10 overall.

To recap, here’s a look at GM Tom Telesco’s haul:

Round 1, (No. 7 overall) Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Round 2, (No. 38) Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky

Round 3, (No. 71), Dan Feeney, G, Indiana

Round 4, (No. 113) Rayshawn Jenkins, S, Miami

Round 5, (No. 151) Desmond King, S, Iowa

Round 6, (No. 190) Sam Tevi, OT, Utah

Round 7, (No. 225) Isaac Rochell, DT, Notre Dame

Brugler highlighted the players that are still on the team, and it just so happens that Los Angeles is the only squad that has managed to retain each one of their picks from that draft.

Wide receiver Mike Williams has turned into a solid vertical threat, leading the league league in yards per catch in 2019. Williams had his fifth-year option picked up earlier this offseason.

Guard Forrest Lamp entered the league as one of the best linemen from that class. However, injuries over the past few seasons have hampered him from reaching his full potential.

Guard Dan Feeney has been a starter since his rookie season. After facing some bumps in Year 1, Feeney has improved as years have gone on. He has made 41 of 46 possible starts.

Rayshawn Jenkins has taken over as the starter at free safety after beginning his career as a strong safety. There are still deficiencies to Jenkins’ game, but he led the team in interceptions last season (3) and the coaching staff covets him.

Cornerback Desmond King has proven to be a great value pick as the impactful defender has been stout in both coverage and against the run. While he may have lost his starting job as the starting slot corner with the signing of Chris Harris Jr., King could still contribute in the dime linebacker role.

Offensive tackle Sam Tevi was drafted to serve as a swing tackle, but injuries to other players forced him into the starting lineup. He hasn’t performed well in each of his three seasons, but the coaching staff is hopeful that new offensive line coach James Campen will help improve his game.

Defensive end Isaac Rochell has been a key contributor as a rotational pass-rusher, playing in all 16 games the last two seasons and posting seven sacks and 46 tackles in his career.

2017 was also significant because it marked the year that running back Austin Ekeler was signed as an undrafted free agent. Brugler cites Ekeler as the second-best pass-catching back behind Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey. Ekeler finished 2019 with 92 catches for 993 receiving yards and eight scores.

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.

Remaining needs for the Chargers after 2020 NFL Draft

There are four positions that the Los Angeles Chargers could still look to address in free agency.

The 2020 NFL Draft is history.

In the draft, the Chargers addressed the quarterback, linebacker, running back, wide receiver and safety position, all of which were needs prior to the event.

However, Los Angeles still has remaining needs that they will have to consider filling prior to the 2020 season in order to avoid having holes on the roster.

Here are some of Bolts’ most glaring needs that they will have to figure out the rest of the offseason:

Left tackle

Finding a tackle to offer competition with Trey Pipkins on the left side was thought to be a priority for the Chargers going into the draft. But they came away empty-handed.

General manager Tom Telesco said there was an offensive lineman that was available at one of their draft picks but they went in a different direction. Telesco didn’t specify which round, but there was one on their radar.

Going into the season, Pipkins, Storm Norton, Sam Tevi and possibly Forrest Lamp are projected to compete for the starting job. But they could benefit from a veteran’s presence to protect Tyrod Taylor’s blindside, while giving Pipkins another year to develop.

Outside cornerback

Opposite of Casey Hayward is Michael Davis, who is projected to go into the season as the starter. However, Davis had his ups and downs last season, and struggled to stay on the field towards the end of the season due to an injury and suspension.

The other option is Brandon Facyson, who showed some promise as a starter, but he still has limited experience in that role. If the Chargers want to solidify an already talented secondary, they should look to add a proven player at the position, and it just so happens that there are a few remaining on the market.

Nose tackle depth

I thought the Chargers were going to use one of their Day 3 selections on a nose tackle like Leki Fotu or Benito Jones to backup Linval Joseph, but they didn’t address the position at all. Am I surprised? Not at all.

The reason being is because I could see Los Angeles re-signing Damion Square or Sylvester Williams, both of whom played a significant role last season in the middle of the defensive line. Or, there’s the possibility of them banking on former seventh-round selection Cortez Broughton’s development.

Interior offensive line depth

There are a few questions that have yet to be answered with the interior part of the offensive line.

Will Mike Pouncey be able to play this season? Can Dan Feeney be counted on as the starter moving forward? Is Forrest Lamp going to stay at guard or make the switch over to tackle?

With all of these questions in mind, it only leads to the desire to add more pieces, especially in case of injuries. Coach Anthony Lynn did say Trent Scott could kick inside from tackle, similar to what they did with Michael Schofield, which would help with some of possible holes.