Tag: Sam Tevi

Could OT Cordy Glenn be option for Chargers?

Would it be smart for the Los Angeles Chargers to sign a left tackle before the regular season?

The Chargers entered the offseason with the expectation that they were going to address the left tackle position after trading away Russell Okung for guard Trai Turner.

Instead, the team chose not to do so other than signing Bryan Bulaga to fill in at right tackle.

Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton and Forrest Lamp will be in contention for the job. This isn’t to say it’s a bad thing because new offensive line coach James Campen has a knack for developing offensive linemen, but it’s still a boom or bust situation due to their inexperience in that role.

If the coaching staff doesn’t feel confident with the in-house options after all, it wouldn’t be too late for Los Angeles to consider a compelling free agent like Jason Peters. Or, they could consider Cordy Glenn, like Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton suggests.

Instead of going with an ineffective or inexperienced starter at a premium position, the Chargers can allow Glenn to earn the first crack at the starting spot. If he stays healthy, Los Angeles may have a decent first-string left tackle who would likely sign on a cheap deal because of his spotty availability in the recent past.

Glenn spent the past two seasons with the Bengals, appearing in 19 of 32 games. He made five starts in his second and final year. He missed the first 10 games of the 2019 season due to a concussion, a one-game suspension due to disciplinary reasons and a shoulder injury.

In 2019, Glenn finished with a Pro Football Focus grade of 68.2, while posting an above average grade of 76.9 in pass protection. Between the Bengals and Bills, where he started his professional career, he’s made 95 starts.

Even though Peters would be a more superior option due to his experience and production, Glenn wouldn’t be a bad one-year rental as the starting left tackle, while Pipkins would have another year to develop with Campen mentoring him.

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.

What could have Chargers done differently this offseason?

There is a certain positional group for the Los Angeles Chargers that remains a mystery.

The Chargers offseason has nearly come to an end.

After a slew of solid acquisitions via free agency and the draft, their 90-man roster is becoming clear. When taking a glimpse at their roster, they’re talented from top to bottom.

However, there are still positional groups that have question marks over them. One of them is the left tackle position. After trading away Russell Okung, Los Angeles failed to find his replacement.

The decision to bring in a rookie quarterback in Justin Herbert, and elect to not get him a viable blindside blocker is questionable.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell concurs.

Barnwell ranked all 32 team’s offseasons and analyzed their moves. Signing or drafting a left tackle is something that he believes L.A. should have taken care of.

Instead of trading up for and drafting linebacker Kenneth Murray, the analyst thinks the Chargers should’ve stayed put, selected a middle linebacker in the middle rounds and used their second-round pick to take a tackle like Ezra Cleveland.

I would have stayed put and trusted that I could find a middle linebacker in the middle rounds or in free agency to rotate with Denzel Perryman. The Chargers likely wouldn’t have been able to find a plug-and-play left tackle in the second round, but adding someone like Ezra Cleveland as an option would have left them in better shape than moving forward with Sam Tevi, Trent Scott and Trey Pipkins.

Addressing the linebacker position was a need this offseason, and Los Angeles had their eyes solely on Murray to fill the room out and get a Day 1 contributor, which is why they moved up 14 spots to get him, sacrificing their third-round pick.

“Off-ball linebackers just aren’t that hard to come by, and the Chargers essentially valued Murray as a top-15 pick by sending their second- and third-rounders to move up and acquire him. Murray has to turn into a Pro Bowl-caliber player for this move to work,” Barnwell said.

Los Angeles is banking on their in-house options, and they’re hopeful that the new offensive scheme and offensive line guru James Campen will help mask any deficiencies. It’s a high risk, high reward situation to rely on Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton or Trent Scott.

If they don’t feel comfortable with their guys after all, Jason Peters, the veteran tackle, remains a free agent.

“While Peters has been popularly linked to a return with the Eagles, L.A. is the best possible landing spot for the 38-year-old tackle. The moves this organization made this offseason suggest it’s trying to win now, even as it retools at quarterback. Peters wasn’t at his Hall of Fame best in 2019 and probably won’t be again in 2020, but he would be a massive upgrade on the likes of Tevi, Scott and Pipkins.”

Who is the Chargers’ ‘best kept secret’?

The Los Angeles Chargers might have a gem on the offensive line.

The left tackle position is arguably one of the weaker groups on the Chargers’ roster, given the lack of pure firepower. However, could there be someone that brings that this upcoming season?

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport believes so. Insert Trey Pipkins.

Here’s what Davenport had to say about Pipkins being Los Angeles’ “best kept secret”:

Heading into the 2019 draft, Trey Pipkins III was considered a talented but raw tackle prospect after playing collegiately at Sioux Falls. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com labeled him a likely Day 3 pick.

“Developmental tackle prospect who offers NFL-caliber size, length and athletic ability for teams willing to work out the technique kinks,” Zierlein wrote. “Pipkins has quick feet but needs to prove he can gain adequate depth with his initial pass slides in order to work to his set points against edge speed. He has Day 3 draft potential, but the jump in competition makes him a likely practice squad candidate early on.”

But then the Chargers spent a third-round pick on Pipkins, traded veteran tackle Russell Okung and didn’t sign or draft an obvious replacement—despite the fact that Pipkins allowed four sacks in 251 snaps as a rookie.

As things stand today, Pipkins is the front-runner to be the blind-side protector for either Tyrod Taylor or rookie Justin Herbert when the Bolts travel to Cincinnati in Week 1.

Head coach Anthony Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco appear to have seen something in the young 6’6″, 304-pounder.

Soon enough, we’ll see if they are right.

Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick from the 2019 NFL draft, wasn’t expected to take a single snap in his rookie season. However, that narrative took a turn when Russell Okung dealt with a combination of a serious health issue and injuries.

Pipkins was forced into the action as early as Week 4 and saw the bulk of his playing time come starting in Week 10. Like any rookie offensive lineman, he experienced some struggles against NFL pass-rushers, but as he received more playing, his strengths became more apparent.

Plays like this exemplify what Pipkins is capable of doing.

Going into the 2020 season, the ball is in Pipkins’ court for the starting job after the team didn’t acquire a single left tackle this offseason. He will have to fend off others that will be in contention for the role, which includes Sam Tevi, Storm Norton, Trent Scott and possibly Forrest Lamp.

For most, not addressing the left side of the line was a mistake. But the team is hopeful that offensive line coach James Campen — one of the best developers of offensive linemen in the league — and a change in offensive scheme will elevate the play.

“He gets what you’re asking him to do. I think he has a lot of potential,” Campen said about Pipkins.

4 offensive players the Chargers need to step up

It all starts with the most important position on the field.

The Chargers offense will have a slightly new look now that Philip Rivers won’t be the one under center anymore.

Even though the unit could benefit from the scheme change, there are certain individual players that need to do well in their roles to help the team succeed.

Whether they had a down year last year or simply have a new job going into the 2020 season, there are four offensive players that need to step up this upcoming year.

QB Tyrod Taylor

Even though the Chargers drafted Justin Herbert in the first-round, I believe that Taylor will be starting the majority, if not, every single game this upcoming season. Taylor will have big shoes to fill after having Rivers man the position for over the past decade. The 30-year old Taylor is not Rivers by any means, but there are a few things going for him that could put him in position to succeed. Taylor is familiar with coach Anthony Lynn’s philosophy, which has always been a run-heavy approach. That leads to his biggest strength, which is his athleticism and ability to win with his legs. As a passer, Taylor is one of the best at not turning the ball over. Taylor should also benefit from the position players around him, as well. Things that could get him in trouble consists of his accuracy and not seeing the middle of the field well, which is why he tends to take the cautious route and limits his chances of being picked off. Everything is tailored for him to succeed, but now it will be a matter of putting it all together to thrive in the starting role with a team that’s capable of contending for the postseason.

OT Sam Tevi

Not only does a new era begin at the quarterback position – it does at the left tackle position after Russell Okung was traded to the Panthers. Rather than signing or drafting one to replace Okung, the team is banking on their in-house options to fill the void. The signing of Bryan Bulaga indicates that the right tackle spot is filled for the next three seasons, which means one of two things for Tevi – he will be a swing tackle or move over to the left side. Recently, offensive coordinator Shane Steichen mentioned Tevi as options at left tackle. Given his experience in the starting role, I believe he is the frontrunner for the job. It won’t be an easy task going from the right side to protecting the blindside, especially after finishing 2019 as the 61st highest graded offensive tackle in 2019, per Pro Football Focus. Since coming into the league, Tevi has fared well in the run-blocking department, but has struggled as a pass protector. The thought process could be that since the offense is shifting to having a mobile quarterback, it could mask the deficiencies with Tevi’s game. They could be hoping that the hiring of Campen will help with it, too. Nonetheless, if Tevi is indeed the starting left tackle, he will have to do a lot better job than his previous seasons.

OT Trey Pipkins

There’s no guarantee that Tevi has the starting job locked up. Instead, I expect it to be a tight competition between him and Pipkins. Selected in the third-round of the 2019 NFL draft, it wasn’t expected that he would see the field in his rookie season. However, Pipkins was forced into the action when Okung was sidelined. In the games he played, he did experience some growing pains, but he also flashed as a solid blindside blocker, especially against some stiff competition like the Chiefs. Campen said he’s watched tape on Pipkins dating back training camp last summer. “He’s a very intelligent young man. He gets what you’re asking him to do. I think he has a lot of potential.” There is a plan in place for Pipkins, but he will have to still take the necessary steps on his own to succeed, which include getting stronger and developing his technique, particularly with his hands. Like Tevi, Pipkins should benefit from a zone scheme, where his athleticism is put to good use.

RB Justin Jackson

Melvin Gordon is no longer a Charger, which leads to the opportunity for someone in the backfield to take on a larger role. Joshua Kelley was drafted in the fourth-round to fill out the backfield, but the ball is in Jackson’s court as he has two years of experience with the team. In 20 games played, Jackson averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 79 touches. Jackson was held back by an injury, limiting him to just seven games in 2019. Entering his third campaign, the team is still “very high” on Jackson despite the durability concerns. With the offense expected to shift to a run-heavy approach, Jackson needs to take a leap. If he can stay healthy, the former Northwestern product can be dangerous.

Gregg Rosenthal predicts Chargers’ 2020 starters

NFL Media’s Gregg Rosenthal makes his starting lineup predictions for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers have boasted a talented roster for years now. The results may have not reflected from that, but the issues arise from injuries and in-game woes that haunted them.

Los Angeles has shown that they can compete with the league’s best, and they’re hopeful that they can make a postseason run, like they managed to do two years.

After a slew of acquisitions this offseason, L.A. is once again equipped with talent from top to bottom. But how will the starting lineup shake up in order to get the best players on the field?

NFL Media’s Gregg Rosenthal recently took a crack at projecting the Chargers’ starters for the upcoming season.

Here is a look:

Notes

  • By no surprise, Tyrod Taylor is listed as the starting quarterback. Barring any injury, I expect Taylor to be the Week 1 starter. For how long remains to be seen. If he gets hurt or the team isn’t having any success with him under center, then that’s when we can expect rookie Justin Herbert to take over.
  • Andre Patton is listed as WR3. While Patton will be among the competitors for the job, I expect either rookie Joe Reed or K.J. Hill to earn it when all is said and done.
  • In Rosenthal’s eyes, Sam Tevi wins the starting left tackle job. Many are expecting this to be Trey Pipkins’ role, including myself. However, the team could favor Tevi’s experience in the starting position.
  • I would be surprised if Kenneth Murray didn’t open up as the starting Will linebacker and Drue Tranquill didn’t start as the Mike linebacker.
  • The reason for their not being a third linebacker listed is because given the amount of nickel and dime packages the Chargers go in, that would normally be Adrian Phillips’ role. But not that he is no longer on the team, Desmond King is the frontrunner.
  • Rayshawn Jenkins is listed as the starting free safety. If and when the Chargers go into their two-deep looks, Nasir Adderley will be on the field at the same time.

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.

Chargers’ Anthony Lynn talks offensive tackle situation

The Los Angeles Chargers still have some work to do along the offensive line.

The Chargers traded for guard Trai Turner earlier this offseason. However, they had to give up a key contributor to the offensive line in offensive tackle Russell Okung.

With Okung gone, the left tackle position remains a mystery. On Wednesday, coach Anthony Lynn addressed the position.

“We may yet still bring some in or let Bryan Bulaga or Sam Tevi go over there.”

Bulaga was acquired via free agency, and while he is slated to start, his natural position is right tackle. The same thing applies for Tevi, who has gotten snaps at left tackle but he’s more efficient on the right side.

Former third-round selection Trey Pipkins is pencilled in as the starting left tackle on the depth chart at the moment and Lynn acknowledged that he will have the opportunity to start this upcoming season.

Another player that could be in contention to start is Trent Scott. Scott played in 16 games, starting in nine of them this past season.

Los Angeles could still look to bring in a free agent tackle like Jason Peters. Lynn was asked about the 38-year old and he said that he is intriguing and believes that he can still do a good job.

The upcoming draft will offer plenty of options, too. If the Bolts draft their quarterback in the first-round, guys like Austin Jackson, Josh Jones, Prince Tega Wanogho, Lucas Niang and Ben Bartch are all worthy of Day 2 selections who can fight for a starting job.

The Chargers still have a little bit of work to do on the offensive line the rest of the offseason, but the additions of offensive line coach James Campen, Turner and Bulaga is a very promising start for a unit that’s in need of a boost after finishing near the bottom of the league last season.

Chargers vs. Broncos inactives

The Los Angeles Chargers released their inactive players ahead of their bout with the Denver Broncos.

The Los Angeles Chargers released their inactive players ahead of their bout with the Denver Broncos.

Inactive

QB Easton Stick

RB Justin Jackson

S Roderic Teamer

CB Tevaughn Campbell

OL Spencer Drango

WR Jason Moore

DT Sylvester Williams

Offensive tackles Russell Okung and Sam Tevi are both active. The two have missed the past few games with their perspective injuries. Their presence should supply a boost in the pass protection department for quarterback Philip Rivers.

Here is a look at the Broncos’ inactives:

LB Von Miller

WR Juwann Winfree

CB Shakial Taylor

DE DeMarcus Walker

OT Calvin Anderson

OT Ja’Wuan James

DL Jonathan Harris

The Chargers catch a huge break as linebacker Von Miller will not play for the first time since 2013.

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6 things to watch in Chargers vs. Broncos

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out six things to watch when the Chargers take on the Broncos in Week 13.

The Chargers return to action on the road as they’re set to take on the Denver Broncos following their bye.

Here are six things to watch in Sunday’s bout.

1. Will Philip Rivers turn things around?

Rivers isn’t having the season that he was anticipating in the final year of his contract, as he’s tossed 14 interceptions, seven in the last two games. The veteran quarterback is eager to overcome his woes, but it won’t be easy facing a Broncos defense that picked him off twice in their first meeting this season. In his last three games against Denver, Rivers has thrown three touchdowns and six interceptions.

2. Offensive tackle situation

Despite playing their best game with two backup tackles in Week 11, we saw Rivers look uncomfortable and rushed, largely due to the fact that he doesn’t trust them. If the Chargers want the most out of Philip Rivers, he has to trust the guys up front, and that means that his security blanket will have to be playing — left tackle Russell Okung. Okung and right tackle Sam Tevi are both questionable. Regardless, stopping linebacker Von Miller will be key to their victory since the offense has struggled recently.

3. Change at quarterback

The Broncos will likely have their third quarterback change this season, as rookie Drew Lock is set to take over under center. Lock is coming back from a thumb injury, which landed him on the injured reserve to start the season. In the three preseason games he completed 31-of-51 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Lock should have a warm welcoming from the presence of defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, who face an offensive line that’s struggled to find consistency.

4. Derwin James and Adrian Phillips

The Chargers officially activated James and Phillips off the injured reserve on Saturday, which means that they will play tomorrow. With James back in the lineup, he will take over for Jaylen Watkins at strong safety. Phillips will resume his duties as the team’s dime linebacker. As for Watkins, he will still get snaps. It’s possible they could put him in the slot, and utilize Desmond King outside.

5. Slowing down Phillip Lindsay

The Broncos may take a little bit to get into a groove in the passing game with Lock making his debut, which means that they will resort to their offensive playmaker to find success. Lindsay had his best rushing performance of the season, amassing 111 yards rushing and 147 total yards in Week 5. But the Chargers have been stout against the run in their last three games, allowing 84.3 rushing yards per contest.

6. Wide receiver-cornerback battles

All eyes will be on wide receiver Keenan Allen and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. as Allen is looking to bounce back from his underwhelming performance in which he only had four receptions for 18 yards. But the matchup between WR Courtland Sutton and CB Casey Hayward deserves your attention.

Sutton finished with four receptions and a touchdown for 92 yards in the first meeting. He currently has 16.6 yards per catch, ranking 10th in the NFL. Meanwhile, Hayward has allowed only one catch over the last four games and has given up a reception on just 47.2% of his targets this season.

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