Keenan Allen – Page 89 – Syndication Server

Is Chargers’ K.J. Hill primed to win third wide receiver spot?

The skillset and mature makeup will help the former Ohio State product.

We are weeks away until training camp, where a handful of positional battles will unfold. Among the crop that will draw a lot of attention is the clash for the third wide receiver spot behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

The Chargers have a few that will be in contention for this job, which include Andre Patton, Darius Jennings, Jalen Moore and rookies Joe Reed and K.J. Hill.

However, a handful of analysts have tabbed Hill, the team’s seventh-round selection, as the front runner to win the No. 3 spot. Pro Football Focus’ Ben Lindsey is the latest to buy into the narrative.

Hill projects exclusively as a slot receiver after running over 90% of his routes from the slot in all four of his seasons with the Buckeyes. That’s an area where Allen already spends a fair bit of his time (52% of his routes in 2019), but Hill should be the team’s third-best wide receiver in 2020. The veteran options aren’t enticing, and Reed is still a project, particularly as a route-runner. Hill’s underneath route running and reliable hands are made for the slot, and I expect him to win that job.

There are two things that Hill is exceptional at: route-running and catching the football.

These are both required to excel at the NFL level, and Hill demonstrated them at a high level at Ohio State in his four years, which resulted in him becoming the school’s all-time reception leader (201).

His lack of speed and reps outside limits him to slot-only duties, which is where Keenan Allen plays. However, Allen has experience on the outside, which would allow Hill to be on the field at the same time.

Hill’s ability to win underneath would give Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert, who both do well connecting on shorter routes, a solid option.

Winning the job won’t be a gimme for Hill heading into training camp, but the former Buckeye’s skillset and mature makeup gives him the advantage.

James Jones gives high praise to Chargers WR Keenan Allen

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen cracked the top-5.

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has been the model of dominance for years now, putting up numbers that stack up among the league’s best wideouts.

However, he still doesn’t get the credit that he deserves.

Credit was given by former Packers WR and current NFL Network analyst James Jones recently, as he tabbed Allen as the No. 4 wide receiver heading into the 2020 season.

“Keenan Allen off the line of scrimmage and his route-running is absolutely special,” Jones said. Every time you see Allen catch a ball, you really don’t see a defensive back too close to him because he is special at getting separation and special at making tough catches.

James notes the fact that Allen isn’t given the recognition that he deserves because he plays for a team that “doesn’t win a lot of games.”

Since 2013, Allen has had more than 1,100 receiving yards each of the past three seasons and has been named to the Pro Bowl in all three of those seasons.

Perhaps the league’s most prolific route-runner, Allen has the opportunity to have another great campaign even with the change at quarterback and offense switching to a run-heavy approach.

The former Cal product is slated to be a free agent after this season.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert believed to ‘steal the show’ on ‘Hard Knocks’

Hard Knocks will feature a handful of characters on the Chargers, but Justin Herbert could end up being the star of the show.

The Chargers will appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks along with the Rams starting on Aug. 11.

While many fans are eager to see notable players with polarizing personalities like safety Derwin James, wide receiver Keenan Allen, defensive end Melvin Ingram and running back Austin Ekeler, there’s always a player or two that steals the spotlight without them expecting it.

For NFL Media’s Nate Burleson, he believes that first-round pick Justin Herbert will be the star of the five-episode series. Burleson explained on an episode of Good Morning Football why he believes the former Oregon product will garner all the attention.

“He’s the new draft pick, he has the hair, and rookie’s tend to steal the show,” Burleson said. “And you know what? There’s going to be more camera on Justin Herbert than any other quarterback. Because we’re familiar with the other quarterbacks. I think we’re going to get to know Justin Herbert a little bit better and he’s not going to let us down.”

Herbert may not have the lively personality like other players on the team, but seeing how he is around his teammates and his overall demeanor will be monitored because he was not naturally inclined to be a vocal player in college. He knows that will have to change, though.

“To be a successful team, you have to have a quarterback that’s himself. He’s got to be genuine and real, and needs to demand from his offense and from the team what he needs to get out of them. I’ve done a better job of being vocal, stepping up and stepping out of my comfort zone,” Herbert said.

The quarterback competition between Herbert and Tyrod Taylor will be one of the biggest storylines to follow. While Taylor is in the driver’s seat, the rookie is still expected to push him for the starting job.

ESPN names 5 Chargers as candidates for contract extensions

The Los Angeles Chargers have some tough decisions to make.

While players are gearing up to start taking the field soon, accountants and salary-cap managers are hard at work, looking to see if they can lock up some of their key players whose contracts expire at the end of the season.

The Chargers have a handful of notable players who are set to become free agents after the 2020 season. To ensure they’re on the roster beyond this season, deals could get done before training camp or the regular season.

ESPN named over 50 players who could be considered for a contract extension before the 2020 campaign arrives. Los Angeles has five players mentioned.

Here are the Chargers players as well as what ESPN had to say about them:

WR Keenan Allen: “Allen has at least 97 catches and at least 1,100 yards in each of his past three seasons, just turned 28 and is set to make $10.75 million in the final year of his contract.”

WR Hunter Henry: “The Chargers’ franchise player will make $10.607 million this year if he doesn’t reach agreement on an extension by July 15.“

DE Joey Bosa: “Bosa’s option year is this year, and he’s slated to make $14.36 million. Franchising him in 2021 would cost something in the $17 million to $18 million range. Remember that Bosa and the Chargers had trouble agreeing to the details of his slotted rookie contract the year he was drafted. No rumblings of this yet, but would anyone be surprised if Bosa turned out to be a guy who held out for a new deal with one year left?”

DE Melvin Ingram: “Bosa isn’t the only Chargers pass-rusher in the final year of his deal. Melvin Ingram III has $14 million coming in 2020 and nothing after. He’s 31 years old. Can the Chargers keep both of these guys?”

CB Desmond King: “King is an extremely valuable player for the Chargers in the return game as well as the defense.”

Who is the Chargers’ biggest X-factor in 2020?

The Chargers’ success in 2020 could be determined by the quarterback play.

Arguably the biggest question heading into the upcoming season for the Chargers lies at the quarterback spot.

Many are wondering if positive results will come from the position after having the luxury of Philip Rivers being the starting under center for 14 seasons.

Tyrod Taylor and rookie Justin Herbert take over. However, all eyes are on Taylor, who is the signal-caller expected to have the keys to the offense to start the 2020 season.

The way that Taylor performs this year will have a significant impact on the team’s results. For that reason, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named him Los Angeles’ biggest X-factor.

The Chargers had better hope to get more out of Taylor than the Browns because rookie quarterback Justin Herbert is not a pro-ready prospect. He has as much potential as any quarterback taken in April’s draft, but he’ll need time to adapt to the nuances of being an NFL signal-caller.

“His inconsistency can be maddening, and his decision-making must improve, but you can’t doubt his talent,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. wrote of Herbert in January.

The Chargers need Herbert on the sideline for most or all of the 2020 season. Taylor was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and led the Bills to the playoffs two years later. If he can play at that level, Los Angeles has a talented enough roster to make a serious run at the postseason.

Despite having an offense which features a handful of the league’s top skill players, there’s no guarantee for offensive success if the quarterback play is not up to par.

While Taylor has the athleticism to beat defenses with his legs – which is a plus since the offense will become more run-heavy – there is still some questions surrounding his ability as passer.

Even though he doesn’t throw a lot of interceptions, Taylor struggles with accuracy and seeing the middle of the field well, which is where key players in tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver Keenan Allen shine.

If Taylor struggles then the Chargers will likely have to lean on Herbert. Herbert is viewed as the hopeful long-term answer, but there’s no guarantee that he will be able to succeed in his rookie season.

With that being said, how Taylor does could either make or break Los Angeles’ season in 2020.

NFL analyst makes bold prediction for Chargers 2020 season

Colleen Wolfe has high expectations for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.

The Chargers are hopeful that they can turn things around after a disastrous 2019 season, which resulted in a 5-11 record and last place in the AFC West.

NFL Media’s Colleen Wolfe believes that Los Angeles is capable of doing so. Wolfe was among the crop of analysts who gave their bold predictions for the upcoming season, and she thinks the Bolts will make a deep run playoff run in 2020.

“It’s the Chargers going on a deep playoff run with Tyrod Taylor,” Wolfe said. “Every year the Chargers Charger me out of this argument. But Tyrod finally gets his shot to lead a team. I know it’s going to be a run-heavy offense this year.

The offensive line wasn’t effective in pass-blocking, but they can run block with all the athleticism they have, especially with Mike Pouncey back healthy again and the upgrades they made in the offseason with the additions of Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner.

This will set up all of those big plays for Mike Williams and Hunter Henry. You know that Keenan Allen is going to be Tyrod’s guy. That defense is stacked. They have those studs returning, and you add Chris Harris, Linval Joseph and Kenneth Murray. Not to mention, the expanded playoff field.”

On paper, the Bolts have a stacked roster, like Wolfe mentioned. But it hasn’t been the level of talent as the reason why the team has produced a mixed bag of results the past few seasons. It’s been the injury bug that they can’t shake off and some coaching mishaps.

L.A. is capable of making some noise this upcoming season, especially with the players that are returning and the additions they made in free agency in the draft. When it comes to on-field performance, there are four factors that will ultimately make or break the Chargers in 2020.

Where does Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor’s supporting cast rank among rest of NFL?

Bleacher Report ranked every quarterback’s supporting casts heading into the 2020 season.

One of the bigger concerns heading into the upcoming season for the Chargers is how the quarterback play is going to shape up.

After 16 years of Philip Rivers’ services, Tyrod Taylor is the front runner to fill his shoes in Week 1.

While Taylor may not have the experience or the skillset as a passer as Rivers does, he does have the athleticism to win with his legs, he takes care of the football and most importantly, he has a strong supporting cast to help put the team in position to win games.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox ranked every quarterback’s supporting cast by previous production, accolades, health and upside. For Los Angeles, they finished No. 6 overall, which is a slight step back from last year after having the fourth-best supporting best in 2019.

The Los Angeles Chargers will presumably roll with journeyman quarterback Tyrod Taylor rather than rookie Justin Herbert to open the season. Taylor was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and should make good use of one of the AFC’s better supporting casts.

The Chargers parted with running back Melvin Gordon this offseason but still have the duo of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson in their backfield. This should give Taylor a strong ground game to lean on when necessary.

Meanwhile, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are one of the more league’s dangerous wide receiver duos, as both topped the 1,000-yard mark in 2019. Tight end Hunter Henry is an absolute terror of a downfield target when healthy and will give Taylor and/or Herbert a wonderful third option.

The versatility and pass-catching ability of Ekeler—he had 92 receptions for 993 yards and eight touchdowns last season—should set the stage for Taylor to succeed. Taylor has been at his best when taking what the defense gives him, and Ekleler is an elite dump-off target perfectly suited to that approach.

With Williams, Allen and Henry stretching the field, the Chargers could have an offense capable of keeping pace with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, provided that Taylor acts as a serviceable placeholder.

On paper, the offensive side of the ball is in great shape.

The running back position will have a slightly new look heading into the upcoming season after Melvin Gordon agreed to a deal with the Broncos. Joining Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson is fourth-round pick Joshua Kelley.

Aside from those changes and couple of new additions along the offensive line, the rest of the offense stayed intact with the strong pass-catching group that consists of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry and draft selections Joe Reed and K.J. Hill.

Taylor is going to have plenty of options to distribute the wealth to. The offensive line may draw some slight concern after the team elected to not address the left tackle position, but the mobility of Taylor and a scheme change could help mask any deficiencies.

The 30-year old signal-caller is in an optimal position to guide the team to success, having premiere skill players and a stout defense to go along with. As long as he’s doing well, Taylor staying on the field will allow rookie Justin Herbert to develop before he’s ready to take the reins, which is key.

Chargers player who just missed Pro Football Focus’ top-50 list

One of the league’s best route-runners wasn’t among the list.

Pro Football Focus revealed their annual list of the top-50 players heading into the upcoming season.

Among the crop were three members of the Chargers. However, there was one player on the team that didn’t make the cut who many believe should have.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen wasn’t included in the list, and a handful of fans weren’t too thrilled about it. But PFF recognized him as one of the 10 players who was close to making it.

Michael Thomas’ game became the target for a lot of questionable criticism recently, but all of the perceived negatives about his game might actually be more accurate in describing Keenan Allen. While Thomas is actually productive when targeted deep downfield, Allen’s PFF grade on 20-plus-air-yard passes over the past two seasons is just 76.5; he caught only 8 of 28 (28.6%) deep passes over that period, and his target rate is some way shy of the best receivers in the league (including Thomas) when running deep patterns. Just slants, digs and crossers made up 49.4% of his receiving yards in 2019, so any diversity-of-route-tree questions should be directed more at Allen than Thomas. There’s no doubt Allen is an excellent receiver, but there have never been more of those in the league. He just fell short of the list.

Allen just fell short of making the list because of his lack of production as a deep pass-catcher, as he caught only 8 of 28 (28.6%) deep passes over the past two seasons.

Even though he wasn’t recognized as one of the top 50 players in the NFL by PFF, that doesn’t mean he’s not one of the top wideouts in the league.

Since coming into the league in 2013, the former Cal product has made his mark as an elite route-runner, dusting off the most premiere cornerbacks week in and week out.

His hard work shows, as Allen has registered four 1,000-yard seasons as a pass catcher and earned three trips to the Pro Bowl.

Entering the final year of his contract, Allen is bound to have another great season with Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert distributing the wealth, both of whom thrive with underneath throws, which is where the 28-year old wide receiver flourishes.

Who is the Chargers’ ‘most promising building block’?

The Los Angeles Chargers look to build around the fourth-year wide receiver.

The Chargers are starting a new era at the quarterback position. When having a new signal-caller, having a strong supporting cast is quite beneficial.

Luckily, Los Angeles is equipped with a slew of promising skill players for Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert, which consists of Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Hunter Henry and the ascending Mike Williams.

Williams was named the “most promising building block” by Bleacher Report.

The Los Angeles Chargers are turning the page after moving on from Philip Rivers in the offseason. Whether it’s veteran Tyrod Taylor or rookie Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ new quarterback is going to need all the help he can get from the team’s weapons.

Weapons such as fourth-year wide receiver Mike Williams.

Williams has been on something of a steady ascent over the past three seasons. After an injury-marred rookie year, Williams became a big-time red-zone threat for the 12-4 Chargers in 2018, reeling in 10 touchdowns. He scored just twice in 2019, but he averaged 20.4 yards per reception—tops in the league—and topped 1,000 yards for the first time.

Williams isn’t the No. 1 wide receiver for the Chargers—that title still belongs to Keenan Allen, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past three years. But if Williams keeps it up, it won’t be that long before he receives a Pro Bowl nod of his own.

After being banged up during his rookie season in 2017, Williams has been the model of consistency since then. In 2018, Williams surpassed the 10-touchdown mark. In 2019, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. His 20.4 yards per reception ranked first in the league.

The team saw the production throughout the past couple of seasons, which is why Williams had his fifth-year option picked up by the Chargers earlier this offseason which will keep him under contract through the 2021 season.

Whether it’s Taylor or Herbert under center, plenty of deep ball opportunities should be there for the big-bodied target this upcoming season, as he looks to unlock his full potential in hopes of making his Pro Bowl.

6 Chargers make ESPN’s Ultimate All-Conference teams

The Los Angeles Chargers had two offensive and four defensive players make the cut.

ESPN’s football writers created all-conference teams of current NFL players and stacked them up against one another.

The Chargers were well-represented, as six current players on the roster made the cut from various conferences.

Here is a look at the members who earned the honors:

No. 1: Big Ten

EDGE Joey Bosa (Ohio State)

No. 2: SEC

G Trai Turner (LSU)

No. 3: ACC

S Derwin James (Florida State)

No. 4: Pac-12

WR Keenan Allen (California)

No. 5: Big 12

LB Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)

CB Chris Harris, Jr. (Kansas)