Chargers Daily Links: LT Pipkins named Chargers’ ‘project player’ for 2020 season

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report took to deciding each of the 32 NFL team’s “project player” heading into the 2020 season. For the LA Chargers, that player was unsurprisingly left tackle Trey Pipkins who has been one of the most-highlighted players in the entire league due to this team’s dire need of finding a blindside protector.

As a former third-round pick out of a Division II school, Pipkins was already well behind the learning curve. While he possessed the prototypical build — 6’6, 300+ pounds, and those “basketball feet” — his technique and mental acuity are what need to be worked on the most. While he may have the quickness to keep up around the edge with NFL pass-rushers, the time it takes to diagnose what’s in front of him and react to counter moves are the main things holding him back.

As offensive line coach James Campen put it in a previous meeting with media members, Pipkins needs to get used to making decisions quicker. Going from DII to the NFL, the time to pull the trigger and act is so much smaller for him now.

In November, the Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller spoke with left guard Dan Feeney about Pipkins. Here are his quick thoughts:

“I think he’s doing a good job of comprehending as much as he can. He’s going to be a good player. It happens to all of us. Sometimes, you gotta be blessed by fire.”

Pipkins collected three starts as a rookie in 2019 while participating in 13 total. He flashed on a handful of running plays where he got to get out into space and clear a way for the running back, but his pass protection was still what you’d expect from a developmental rookie.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Gavino Borquez wonders if offensive lineman Cordy Glenn is a good fit for the Chargers (Chargerswire)

Hayley Elwood interviews Chargers UDFA DT Breiden Fehoko (Chargers.com)

Jason Reed examines the 2020 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals (Bolt Beat)

Jason Reed lists the best Chargers to ever wear the #85 (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:

Brent Sobleski lists every NFL team’s “project player” for 2020 (Bleacher Report)

Jason La Canfora ranks the five new NFL head coaches in 2020 (CBS Sports)

Bryan DeArdo lists the top-5 rivalries in the NFL during the 1960’s (CBS Sports)

QB Dak Prescott has decided to sign his franchise tender (Pro Football Talk)

Doug Clawson ranks all 32 NFL teams by the play of their franchise’s quarterbacks (ESPN+)

Jeff Legwold takes a closer look at the 2020 Broncos defense (ESPN)