Chargers Daily Links: Does experience win Sam Tevi the LT job?

In Monday’s conference call with LA Chargers general manager Tom Telesco, a question revolving around the hole at left tackle came up just as everyone expected it to. It was met with the usual response: the coaching staff likes the guys they have and are confident whoever wins the job will be prepared for the responsibility.

Right now, the two front-runners are still former starting right tackle Sam Tevi and Trey Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick from a year ago. The Chargers missed out on signing either Jason Peters or Kelvin Beachum this offseason so that should tell just how confident they are in their two young tackles.

But who has the edge? In Anthony Lynn’s first year with the team, no one was safe expect for the tried-and-true stars. Experience didn’t matter as much and the better player usually won the job. However, players with significant starting time under their belts have started getting the nod a little more recently. It’s a sense of loyalty that I hoped wouldn’t manifest under Lynn because past coaches have shown they can be loyal to a fault.

With this in mind, I wonder if that means Sam Tevi could have the inside track on the left tackle job over Pipkins, who is likely the better pass protector as of right now while Tevi still edges him as a run blocker.

ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry recently made a bold prediction about Chargers training camp and she thinks Tevi will win the starting job over Pipkins. And the more I think about it, I think it may actually NOT be that bold of a call. Prior to any sort of activities or practices actually on the field, I would say Tevi does in fact have a better case right now. The offenses changes will certainly favor his skillset and the abbreviated offseason also helps his cause over a younger player.

Again, we don’t know how much time and opportunities there will be when the team is finally able to get out on the field, but it’s tough to see their being enough to make a well-informed decision by the time week one gets here.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Chris Hayre takes a closer look at the Chargers’ roster heading into training camp (Chargers.com)

Hayley Elwood discusses Keenan Allen’s thoughts on his placement in the NFL’s Top 100 (Chargers.com)

Jason Reed lists the greatest Chargers to ever wear #49 (Bolt Beat)

Gavino Borquez highlights how execs and coaches rank Tyrod Taylor among NFL QBs (Chargers Wire)

NFL News:

ESPN is tracking all the players who have decided to opt out of the 2020 season (ESPN)

Tom Daniels highlights the five Patriots players who have opted out of the 2020 season (Bleacher Report)

WR Davante Adams is not a fan of the NFL Top 100 (Bleacher Report)

Nick Shook reports on Vikings first-round pick getting placed on the reserve/Covid-19 list (NFL.com)

Jets GM Joe Douglas never promised an offer to S Jamal Adams (Pro Football Talk)

Steelers DT Stephon Tuitt will not kneel for the anthem (Pro Football Talk)