Tag: Sam Tevi

Colts signing Sam Tevi among PFF’s least favorite free agency moves

PFF isn’t too high on the signing of Tevi.

The Indianapolis Colts have to find a way to replace longtime left tackle Anthony Castonz, who retired this offseason after 10 years in the league. Part of that proposed solution was signing veteran Sam Tevi to a one-year deal.

While the Colts are likely to add more talent to the offensive tackle positions either in free agency or during the 2021 NFL draft, Pro Football Focus said that was one of their least favorite moves in free agency due to the possibility of him being the starter.

Indy suffered two crushing retirements this offseason, with quarterback Philip Rivers and left tackle Anthony Castonzo both calling it quits. Castonzo established himself as one of the best players at the position ever since he entered the league as the Colts’ 2011 first-round pick. Over the past three seasons, he was the eighth-highest-graded left tackle in pass protection.

Just a couple of days ago, Indianapolis opted to sign former Los Angeles Charger Sam Tevi to possibly take over Castonzo’s spot. If the Colts end up passing on a tackle in the first couple of rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft and Tevi is the guy for 2021, it could spell bad news for Carson Wentz.

In Tevi’s three years of starting experience, he has produced the worst pass-block grade among tackles (51.6) and has allowed more pressure than anyone in that group (134). For reference, Castonzo gave up just 78 quarterback pressures in that same span and less than half the total number of sacks and hits combined.

It’s unlikely the Colts enter the season with Tevi as the left tackle. It’s not impossible, but it’s unlikely. Many are expecting the Colts to draft a tackle with the No. 21 overall pick in April.

Whatever happens this offseason, the Colts will have to add more depth and talent to the offensive line because given his past play, Tevi may struggle to give the Colts the average play that would be necessary for the offensive line to hold its own.

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Colts officially sign OT Sam Tevi

Colts officially signed OT Sam Tevi.

The Indianapolis Colts signed offensive tackle Sam Tevi in free agency, the team announced Wednesday.

As the organization has come to life on the free-agent market, the Tevi signing was announced earlier this week. From our own Nick Melillo, who wrote the article that the Colts would be signing Tevi from free agency:

In 2020, Tevi stepped into the role of blindside protector for young rookie Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, starting 14 games at the position. Tevi also had one prior left tackle start as a rookie in place of then injured starter Russell Okung in 2017.

According to Pro Football Focus, Tevi graded out at a 52.9 overall last year, a grade nearly 10 points worse than struggling Colts reserve tackle Chaz Green. Needless to say, last season was a rough year for Tevi, and he’ll hope to bounce back with a much stronger supporting cast all around the line in Indianapolis.

This signing is a depth move, just as the Julie’n Davenport one would be—the Colts are expected to bring in Davenport soon. Needing depth and competition at the swing tackle position, Tevi is unlikely to be battling for the starting role.

Instead, the Colts are likely to select and offensive tackle with one of their first two picks in the 2021 NFL draft, especially considering how strong the class is viewed in this regard.

But now the Tevi signing is official, and the Colts have some depth and competition on the edge.

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Chargers attempted to re-sign OT Sam Tevi

The Los Angeles Chargers wanted to bring back a familiar face.

Former Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi signed with the Colts on Tuesday.

Tevi, Los Angeles’ sixth-round pick of the 2017 NFL draft, served as the team’s starting left tackle last season after spending the previous two on the right side.

As a blindside blocker, Tevi was fine, but he didn’t offer much appeal as the long-term solution.

However, L.A. clearly viewed him as a swing tackle, considering they attempted to re-sign him before being outbid by Indianapolis, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Chargers attempting to bring back Tevi just goes to show where the team stands with Trey Pipkins, who was drafted in 2019 with the expectations of becoming the starting left tackle.

Had Tevi been re-signed, the team’s likelihood of drafting one in the first-round would be still be high, but other positions like cornerback or edge defender would be sought out options.

Los Angeles could still look to sign a cheap veteran as a stop-gap or for depth, but either way, it’s trending towards the team drafting a left tackle high.

Colts to sign former Chargers OT Sam Tevi

Colts add an OT in free agency.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1374158654505689095

The Indianapolis Colts are signing former Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Tevi was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Chargers out of Utah. Tevi played in a total of 58 games with 44 starts in his four seasons with the Chargers. The majority of his starts before last season came at the right tackle position in place of then injured starter Joe Barksdale, who he replaced as the full-time starter on the right side after his release.

In 2020, Tevi stepped into the role of blindside protector for young rookie Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, starting 14 games at the position. Tevi also had one prior left tackle start as a rookie in place of then injured starter Russell Okung in 2017.

According to Pro Football Focus, Tevi graded out at a 52.9 overall last year, a grade nearly 10 points worse than struggling Colts reserve tackle Chaz Green. Needless to say, last season was a rough year for Tevi, and he’ll hope to bounce back with a much stronger supporting cast all around the line in Indianapolis.

The Colts continue to look for answers to solve the problem of longtime left tackle stalwart Anthony Castonzo’s retirement after a 10-year career protecting the blindside in Indianapolis. While I wouldn’t expect Tevi to be the planned starter at the position, he brings experience at both tackle spots and may provide solid depth as a swing tackle that the Colts have desperately needed for the last few seasons.

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What would it take for Chargers to acquire Ravens OT Orlando Brown, Jr.?

The two-time Pro Bowler requested a trade on Wednesday, and the Chargers should be interested.

The Chargers are going to be in the market for a starting blindside blocker, and one player that could draw some interest is Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

Brown requested a trade after demanding to only play left tackle, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

He played there this past season to fill the void left by injured Ronnie Stanley, where he went on to be named to his second Pro Bowl. But with Stanley returning, it means that Brown will have to move back to right tackle.

However, Stanley is going to make sure that’s not the case because he wants to stay at left tackle to honor his late father and former Raven, Orlando Brown Sr.

Rapoport added that Baltimore values Brown significantly and would need major compensation in order to do a deal.

Should Los Angeles be interested in acquiring him, what might they have to give up?

L.A. holds the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s draft and that would be the starting point to acquire a franchise left tackle.

The Bolts could also propose wide receiver Mike Williams in the deal, given the fact that the position is near the top of the Ravens’ priority list this offseason, and either their second or third-round pick.

Baltimore will likely have to agree to an extension in order for the deal to happen. The same thing applies for Brown. His rookie contract expires after 2021, which means the Chargers would have to extend him right away.

With that being said, here’s a look at some potential trade ideas:

Chargers get:

Orlando Brown Jr.

Ravens 2021 2nd Round Pick (58)

Ravens get:

Mike Williams

Chargers 2021 1st Round Pick (13)

Chargers 2021 4th Round Pick (108)

Chargers get:

Orlando Brown Jr.

Ravens 2021 4th Round Pick (131)

Ravens get:

Chargers 2021 1st Round Pick (13)

Chargers 2021 3rd Round Pick (77)

Chargers 2022 2nd Round Pick

Chargers get:

Orlando Brown Jr.

Ravens 2021 4th Round Pick (131)

Ravens get:

Chargers 2nd Round Pick (47)

Chargers 5th Round Pick (142)

Chargers 2022 1st Round Pick

Brown has started all 32 games over the past two seasons for Baltimore and has appeared in 48 games with 42 total career starts. At left tackle this past season, Brown didn’t surrender a single sack in pass protection and allowed 19 total quarterback pressures.

At only 24 years old, Brown has proven himself as someone who’s very capable of protecting the edge with his best football still yet to come. If the Chargers feel comfortable of surrendering some picks and a player like Williams, Brown is worth it because great offensive tackles in this league don’t grow on trees.

Could OT Alejandro Villinueva be a fit for the Chargers?

The Chargers could look for their starting blindside blocker in free agency.

The Chargers’ priority this offseason will be to upgrade the offensive line after neglecting the group for years now.

The early rounds of the NFL draft should be their outlet, given the talent at the top, but free agency is where general manager Tom Telesco has banked on since the beginning of his tenure.

Should Telesco explore the free agency market to address the line, one player that could draw some intrigue is Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva.

Villanueva, 32, is finishing up his sixth season in the NFL. He has started every single game dating back to 2016. Villanueva was selected to a pair of Pro Bowls (2017, 2018).

Villanueva has graded between 74.0 and 82.0 in each of his last five seasons, per Pro Football Focus. He ranks in the 54th percentile in PFF pass-blocking grade and the 46th percentile in pass-blocking grade on true pass sets during that time.

Sam Tevi, the team’s starting left tackle from this past season, is slated to be a free agent and while they like Tevi, the team may view Villanueva is a more reliable option for the next season or two.

Villanueva’s offensive line coach in Pittsburgh, Shaun Sarrett, is now the assistant offensive line coach with Los Angeles, so the familiarity might be appealing to the veteran.

I’m a firm believer that the Chargers should draft one with their first or second-round selections, but the team could still do so while signing Villanueva as a stop-gap measure.

Another player from Pittsburgh that’s worth monitoring is Matt Feiler, who is also expected to be a free agent. Feiler’s proven himself at both tackle and guard. He could provide L.A. with the versatility to play either spot in a pinch.

Ranking Chargers free agents that could be re-signed for 2021 season

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco could be prioritizing these eight players.

While all the attention is shifted to who the Chargers could sign in free agency, there’s also a crop of in-house players that general manager Tom Telesco will have to decide on when the new league year begins in March.

It’s unclear how many of these players the team will be able to keep, but they will have to be selective during the process.

With that being said, I’ve ranked them in order, from least likely to be re-signed to most likely.

Mel Kiper gives Chargers left tackle of the future in first mock draft

ESPN’s Mel Kiper slotted a blindside blocker for the Chargers in his first full mock draft.

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah released his first mock draft a couple days ago, where he gave the Los Angeles Chargers former USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker with the No. 13 overall selection.

Nearly a week later, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. put out his first mock draft, but he elected to go with a different player at the same position. Kiper gave the Bolts former Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw with their first-round pick.

With four straight wins to end the season, the Chargers likely moved themselves out of the Penei Sewell sweepstakes, but Darrisaw is a great consolation prize. He had a phenomenal 2020 season and could be quarterback Justin Herbert’s long-term blindside protector. Offensive line is one of L.A.’s top needs of the offseason, and it could add to the position in free agency and in the draft. New coach Brandon Staley will get back safety Derwin James from injury, but his defensive line needs a boost, too. Keep an eye on risers between now and April.

Darrisaw, the 6-foot-5 and 315 pounder, was a three-year starter with 34 starts in college, all of which came at left tackle. Allowing only six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection, he has good length, demonstrates good timing and quickness with his punches, and has plus grip strength.

In the run game is where Darrisaw is at his best, flashing good quickness moving forward. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way for ball carriers.

Even if Sam Tevi is re-signed, Darrisaw is a major upgrade at the position. He has the length and athleticism to thrive at left tackle and even offers versatility to play inside, given his physicality and mobility. The Bolts could utilize that, if need be.

Predictions on which Chargers free agents will return in 2021

Who will Chargers general manager Tom Telesco bring back next season?

The Chargers enter this offseason with 17 players who will be unrestricted free agents, and everyone knows that the team can’t keep everyone.

The good news for Los Angeles is that they have the salary-cap space to ensure that they’re able to keep some of them, as they’re estimated to have a little over $23 million in estimated cap space.

So who will return this upcoming season?

It all starts with the top free agent not only on the team but among the entire league, with that being tight end Hunter Henry.

Henry, who played on the franchise tag this past season, proved that he’s worthy of receiving a long-term extension.

There have been some concerns over Henry’s injuries, but he played in all but two games in 2020, where he had a career-high 60 catches (93 targets) for 613 yards and four touchdowns.

He could command close to a top-of-the-market deal, which is in the per-year-range of $14 million to 15 million. However, tight ends like Henry don’t grow on trees, so it would be wise for the team to re-sign him.

Next on the list is cornerback Michael Davis.

Davis improved as a player this season, both as a tackler and in coverage. He surpassed career high in interceptions with three, including a pick-six against the Buccaneers. He appeared more confident, showing the ability to be a solid No. 2 corner.

Sticking in the secondary, safety Rayshawn Jenkins proved that he’s worthy of a contract extension.

Jenkins has shown to be a key contributor at both safety spots and as the team’s dime backer. The gradual growth with Jenkins has been evident and with a healthy Derwin James in 2021, the two would make a formidable safety tandem.

Head coach Brandon Staley’s defense is predicated off of good defensive back play, so he could be banking on getting the most out of them with his coaching.

Staying on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Denzel Perryman enjoyed arguably his best season as a pro this past season.

Playing all but three games, Perryman performed at a high level. The former Miami product was strong against the run and he was improved in coverage. Plus, he presented a much-needed veteran presence in the middle of the defense, especially while LB Kenneth Murray dealt with growing pains.

The Chargers have three starters along the offensive line from this past season who are expected to be free agents, tackle Sam Tevi, guard Forrest Lamp and center Dan Feeney.

I see L.A. re-signing all of them.

After making the switch from right tackle to left tackle, Tevi played fine in the starting role. The Chargers like Tevi, and I believe they will keep him to at least serve as a depth piece.

Feeney was inconsistent this past season, but Los Angeles still seems confident that he will develop into a reliable starter in the middle of their offensive line. Plus, Feeney has been durable since entering the league in 2017, so it helps his case.

As for Lamp, he managed to put together a full season where he stayed healthy after being hampered with lower body injuries. I believe he will be re-signed to serve as a swing depth guard.

But regardless, the Chargers still need more talent up front.

So there you have it. I believe the Bolts will re-sign seven of their own players.

6 pivotal questions heading into the Chargers offseason

The Chargers need to nail the offseason in order to get back to their winning ways.

A week after the regular season came to an end, the Chargers are already hard at work preparing for how their team might look during the 2021 season.

Here are six of the top questions surrounding Los Angeles entering the offseason:

1. Who will be the head coach?

The Chargers and Anthony Lynn ended a four-year marriage after the second consecutive season of underwhelming results. The inconsistent play-calling and game management was the reason that Lynn got the boot, and Los Angeles making sure there isn’t a repeat of that.

Los Angeles is not only looking for someone to maximize rookie sensation Justin Herbert’s potential, but someone who can oversee the team, not just one side of the ball or the other. Along with that, someone who is quick to make changes when an area is not going as planned, such as special teams.

The current favorite to get the job is Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, given his success with QB Josh Allen and the close ties he has to general manager Tom Telesco. There are plenty of other intriguing options that could get the job, too, including 49ers’ Robert Saleh, Colts’ Matt Eberflus and Titans’ Arthur Smith.

Then comes the rest of the staff. Offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is still under contract. Whoever is hired, will they elect to keep Steichen as the offensive coordinator, given his success with quarterback Justin Herbert. Maybe they promote quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton? Or, will they bring in someone from another team?

2. Who will be re-signed?

Like last offseason, the Chargers will have a slew of starters whose contracts are up. The crop includes tight end Hunter Henry, cornerback Michael Davis, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, edge defender Melvin Ingram, linebacker Denzel Perryman, center Dan Feeney, guard Forrest Lamp and tackle Sam Tevi.

Out of the bunch, I expect Telesco to look to re-sign Henry, Davis, Jenkins, Feeney and Perryman. Henry has been a key contributor in the passing and run game. At only 26, his best years are still ahead of him. Davis and Jenkins were arguably the two best players in the secondary. While inconsistent, Feeney has been durable as can be. Perryman played one of his best seasons.

Ingram is one of the more notables, but I believe the injuries and lack of production (zero sacks and four QB hits) in a contract year hindered his chances of getting an extension. Plus, the team may believe that Uchenna Nwosu is capable of taking the starting role.

3. How will the offensive line be re-shaped?

Last offseason, it appeared that the Chargers hit a home run with the acquisitions of tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner. However, it didn’t pay off during the regular season, as the two only managed to play 10 and nine games, respectively, due to injuries.

As for the rest of the line, Tevi was arguably the most consistent. While he managed to play every game, Lamp had his struggles, particularly in pass protection. Feeney’s play was up and down. OT Trey Pipkins didn’t improve much from last season. Storm Norton impressed in his limited action.

All in all, the line needs some remodeling. Los Angeles could draft a starting left tackle in the first two rounds and depth with another pick or two. With roughly $23 million in cap space, they could find a starting left guard in free agency and use of that money to find a reliable depth piece for cheap.

At his end-of-season press conference, Telesco says there is a lot of improvements that needs to happen with the offensive line. He has struggled to build a competent offensive line since the start of his tenure. Can he finally do it this year?

4. How will the draft be attacked?

The Chargers have two additional draft picks, one third-round compensatory from the Colts acquisition of QB Philip Rivers and a sixth-round via the Titans (cornerback Desmond King trade).

With nine picks, this could be a make or break draft for Telesco. He is tasked with finding at least two offensive lineman, a potential replacement for Ingram, a starting caliber cornerback, another weapon or two for Herbert and depth players that can be special teams aces from Day 1.

5. Will any players be cut?

Telesco has seen players walk in free agency that eventually find success elsewhere, but he hasn’t been notorious for cutting those who are still under contract. Could that change this year? Two players come to mind: Turner, cornerback Casey Hayward.

Turner only saw the field nine times this past season. They would save $11.5 million in cap space with no dead money if they cut him. Hayward’s play was disappointing, too. The team would save $9.75 million in cap space with a $2 million dead-money charge this offseason if they cut Hayward.

6. What will the defense look like?

With Lynn gone, that likely means that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will be finding a new home, too. The past four years under Bradley, the Chargers ran a heavy Cover 3 scheme that was fixed on zone coverages.

Whoever the new head coach brings in as the new defensive coordinator is and the system they implement will be enticing. Should they stick with a similar scheme or shift to a different one, maybe a more pressure oriented defense that is multiple?

This will all have an impact on the players that they’re looking to target in free agency and the draft. Before, it was easy to diagnose if they were a fit. But with no set defensive coordinator, we don’t know what kind of players and prospects fit the bill.