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James Campen addresses state of Chargers’ offensive line

The Los Angeles Chargers are hopeful that James Campen can help the offensive line become a strong suit.

The Chargers not only added two proven players to the offensive line earlier this offseason in guard Trai Turner and tackle Bryan Bulaga. The team added a proven mentor for the unit, hiring offensive line coach James Campen.

Los Angeles’ offensive line finished as one of the worst groups in the league in 2019, but the team is hoping that the arrival of Campen might be the turning point.

Campen, who spent 15 seasons with the Packers, worked with primarily middle and late-round draft selections. But he turned the majority of them into Pro Bowlers and All-Pro selections.

Campen gave credit to the scouting departments for finding “late-round gems” along the offensive line rather than his ability to develop them.

Among the crop is tackle Trey Pipkins, last year’s third-round pick. After the departure of Russell Okung, Pipkins will have the opportunity to win the starting left tackle job.

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.”

Pipkins was forced into the action last season when Okung was sidelined. In the games he played, he did experience some growing pains, but he also flashed as a solid blindside blocker.

Campen mentioned that he has a plan for the former Sioux Falls product.

Even though the expectation is that Pipkins will be the starting left tackle going into the season, there will be other players in contention, consisting of Sam Tevi, Forrest Lamp, Trent Scott and Storm Norton.

Campen said it’s the most-discussed position of the offseason. “There are options there. There is a lot of good candidates that have a lot of the athletic traits you want at left tackle.”

Campen is referring to the options currently on the team, but didn’t touch up on potential free agent options that they could look to bring in, including Jason Peters, who still remains on the market.

Other than left tackle being the mystery along the offensive line, the rest of the group looks solidified for the most part.

Center Mike Pouncey will play in 2020 after being medically cleared on Wednesday, and the acquisitions of Bulaga and Turner will provide a huge upgrade on the right side. Dan Feeney has had the left guard spot locked up for the past couple of years now.

Campen has familiarity with Bulaga having spent a decade with him, and he has done a lot of work on Turner. He called them leaders. “They are what you want from an offensive lineman.”

The Chargers are hopeful that a combination of Campen’s coaching and a new offensive scheme will benefit an offensive line that has been a weak part of the team for years now.

3 burning questions for Chargers in 2020

The Los Angeles Chargers look to bounce back after a disappointing 2019 season.

After finishing 5-11 in a very disappointing 2019 season, the Chargers are hoping to turn it around as they enter the new season in their new stadium in Inglewood, CA.

After some changes to the roster on both sides of the ball this offseason, there are some questions surrounding Los Angeles heading into training camp that need to be answered in order for them to be contender.

Let’s look at those three questions:

What will the offense look like without Philip Rivers?

The 16-year marriage between the Chargers and QB Philip Rivers came to an end this offseason. Taking over under center are Tyrod Taylor and rookie QB Justin Herbert, the No. 6 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The main difference between the two and Rivers is from an athleticism standpoint. However, that’s going to be the difference between how the offense was run with Rivers and now with Taylor and Herbert. Rivers was dropping back into the pocket with five to seven steps to buy him time to throw, with very little opportunities to scramble.

With the new system in place for Taylor and Herbert, there will be more pistol formation, more play-action and more run-pass option. The Chargers offense is going to look a lot more like the Ravens offense last season. Head coach Anthony Lynn and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman coached together in Buffalo in 2015 and 2016.

Taylor and Herbert have the skill sets to run some of the concepts the Ravens do, like zone read and other quarterback option runs, which was hardly ever the case when Rivers was under center for Los Angeles.

Despite the change in offense, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry and Austin Ekeler will help guide the offense, along with newly added draft selections – Joshua Kelley, Joe Reed and K.J. Hill

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OT Jason Peters remains compelling option for Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers could benefit from left tackle Jason Peters’ presence.

The Chargers entered the draft with many expecting that they were going to select a left tackle.

Seven rounds went by and they came away empty-handed.

The decision to not pick a single offensive lineman left fans scratching their heads, wondering why Los Angeles elected to not address a positional group that has questions surrounding it.

After the draft, general manager Tom Telesco said that they like their in-house options as the reason why they didn’t select one. But he didn’t comment on whether or not the team will look to the free agency pool.

One intriguing option that has been connected to the Bolts for awhile is Jason Peters. Peters, who was released by the Eagles in February, remains a free agent.

Recently, Peters has talked to teams in recent weeks and threw the idea of being a starter while mentoring a young guy like he did with Philadelphia and Andre Dillard last season, according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.

If that’s the case, that could entice the Chargers, who have former third-round pick Trey Pipkins slated to start. Even though Pipkins has some experience in the starting role, he could benefit from another year to develop and learn from one of the best left tackles before taking over.

Over the past three seasons, Peters has been the model of production. Since 2017, he has an 82.6 grade per Pro Football Focus, which is 12th among offensive tackles, where he has played 2,163 regular season snaps along the way.

Even at 38 years of age, Peters only allowed 21 pressures on 562 pass-blocking attempts last season. He had the fourth-highest grade in pass blocking and 17th-highest grade in the run blocking department, per PFF.

Durability concerns loom as he has dealt with numerous injuries in recent seasons. However, he has still started 29 of a possible 32 games the past two years, managing to still play at a fairly high level over that span.

The Chargers, who are one of the teams who have the most salary cap space available ($22 million), could benefit immensely from a borderline elite left tackle at the cost of very little without much long-term guaranteed money.

With the roster that Los Angeles has in place, adding Peters to a line that will now feature guard Trai Turner and tackle Bryan Bulaga, could put them in contention to make a deep run this upcoming season.

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.

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 will be without OT Russell Okung vs. Chiefs

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung’s season has come to an end.

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung’s 2019 season has come to an end.

Okung will not play this weekend against the Chiefs due to a groin injury, which marks the second consecutive game that he missed due to the issue.

Okung, who’s been dealing with this for over a month now, re-aggravated it on an attempted tackle in the Week 15 loss to the Vikings. Coach Anthony Lynn said that rookie Trey Pipkins will start at left tackle, but Trent Scott will get some playing time, too.

It wasn’t the series of events that Okung was anticipating this season. The veteran tackle had been sidelined to start the season due to a pulmonary embolism that was discovered in June. That was followed up with the groin issue a few games into his season debut.

Okung has one more year remaining on his contract with Los Angeles.

Chargers OT Trey Pipkins likely to start vs. Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers third-round selection will likely get the start at left tackle this weekend against the Oakland Raiders.

It’s more than likely that Chargers rookie Trey Pipkins will be the starting left tackle this Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, per coach Anthony Lynn.

Russell Okung, who has been dealing with a groin injury, was listed as doubtful for this weekend’s AFC West battle.

It was between Pipkins and Trent Scott to start in place of Okung, but it appears that the coaching staff wants to make sure the former Sioux Falls is getting live game action as part of his development.

Pipkins has played in two regular season games this season, one being a start. It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the third-round selection, but he has shown flashes, especially against a stout Kansas City Chiefs defensive front.

The only other player listed on the injury report is running back Justin Jackson, who is questionable with a hamstring injury.

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First injury report for Chargers vs. Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers started their preparation for their Week 16 matchup against the Oakland Raiders this Sunday. Here is a look at today’s injury report. Offensive tackle Russell Okung was the only non-participant. Okung is currently dealing …

The Los Angeles Chargers started their preparation for their Week 16 matchup against the Oakland Raiders this Sunday.

Here is a look at today’s injury report.

Offensive tackle Russell Okung was the only non-participant. Okung is currently dealing with a groin injury that he sustained in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Coach Anthony Lynn said if Okung can’t go then it’ll be between Trent Scott and rookie Trey Pipkins for the start at left tackle.

Scott entered the game in place of Okung last weekend. Pipkins has been a healthy scratch the past two contests.

Wide receiver Mike Williams and running back Justin Jackson were both limited.

Williams has been dealing with a knee issue over a month, but he should be good to go for this weekend.

Chargers OT Trey Pipkins working to defy the odds

Trey Pipkins should not be judged based on the school he played for.

It’s easy to discount a player when he’s selected with a high draft pick out of a college that not much of the general fanbase knows about to address a glaring position of need.

That’s how it has been for offensive tackle Trey Pipkins.

Pipkins was drafted in the third-round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Sioux Falls University. With plenty of other offensive tackles out of bigger universities, general manager Tom Telesco rolled the dice on the small schooler.

Despite the talent Pipkins faced in college, Telesco saw the potential in Pipkins to become a long-term option for Los Angeles. Instead of throwing him into the fire in Year 1, they wanted Pipkins to sit and learn from one of the best at the position — offensive tackle Russell Okung.

Little did they know that a series of unfortunate events would occur more than halfway through the season in which would ultimately ruin their developmental plans for the rookie.

In the Week 10 matchup against the Raiders, Okung sustained a knee injury. With Trent Scott already filling in for an injured Sam Tevi, the Chargers were forced to have Pipkins fill in the shoes of the Pro Bowl left tackle.

A quarter into the game, Pipkins looked like a player that had been in the league for four years already, looking crisp in his pass sets. But later on, the growing pains became evident when he was beat for a couple sacks and quarterback pressures.

The words “bust” or “waste of a pick” arose following his performance.

A week later with more than a full week of practice under his belt with the starting unit, Pipkins made his first official professional start against the Kansas City Chiefs while Okung sat with a groin injury.

Facing a talented defensive front, Pipkins knew he was in for a challenge. The Apple Valley native was tasked with slowing down defensive end Frank Clark, who is one of the best players at his position in the league.

Early on, Clark got the best of Pipkins, beating him around the corner, which was resulted in an interception as he hit quarterback Philip Rivers. Clark beat Pipkins a couple more times but other than that, he fared well against the fearsome pass rush.

You can’t expect too much more from a player that was viewed as a project. It may not be perfect, but experiencing the ups and down could be a blessing in disguise for a first-year player to get more reps against talent he has never faced before so that way he could adapt.

“You can’t be scared of any situation. You have to go out there like you’re playing in the backyard. Just follow your techniques and fundamentals. You can’t put it above any other game,” Pipkins said, per Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller.

Heading into this weekend’s matchup, Pipkins could get another tough matchup in Broncos defensive end Von Miller, if he gets the start over Okung, who’s currently questionable.

Coming from a small high school and Division II program, casual fans may mistake Pipkins as merely a small fish in a big pond. But with time and more live reps, he could develop into something good for the Chargers for years to come.

“A rookie playing tackle in this league. I don’t care who you are, first-round pick or whatever it is, it’s tough. Trey’s a smart guy. He works at it. He’s tough. He battles everyday in practice,” offensive coordinator Shane Steichen said.

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