The Chargers inked offensive tackle Storm Norton to a two-year deal on Friday.
In order to get familiar with him, here are four things to know about Norton:
Stud in college
In 2016, Toledo had the seventh-best offense in the country (517.8 per game) and ranked in the top-20 nationally in scoring (38 points per game).
How did they have a lot of success?
A lot of that had to do with the wall-like protection from Norton after serving as a key member of an offensive line that allowed just five sacks on 411 passing attempts and the holes he made for running back Kareem Hunt.
Norton started every game in 2015 and 2016 at left tackle, earning first-team All-MAC recognition both seasons, as well as being named to the AP All-Bowl Team in 2015.
Bounced around the league
After going undrafted, Norton signed with the Lions in 2017. There, he spent time on their practice squad and at one point was bumped up to the active roster. He was eventually released.
Norton then signed with the Cardinals, but it wasn’t long until he was let go of on November 30, 2017.
The Vikings then scooped him up. He primarily spent time on the practice squad, but he got the call up to the active roster for a week where he made a a game-day appearance. He signed a reserve/future contract at the end of the 2019 season, but was then waived on August 31, 2019.
Life after the NFL
Even though Norton’s time in the NFL came to an end, it wasn’t long until he garnered the interest of the new XFL league. The Whitmer native was the No. 1 overall selection in the second phase of the 2020 XFL Draft.
Norton started five games at left tackle for the Los Angeles Wildcats, finishing as the XFL’s best offensive lineman before the coronavirus pandemic put the league to a halt.
What are the Chargers getting?
In need of shoring up the tackle group, Norton is a great pickup for the offense the Chargers are tailoring towards.
Norton possesses a towering frame at 6-foot-8 and 307 pounds with excellent athleticism and movement skills. He is suited best for for a zone scheme with his ability to pull and execute reach blocks. His tentacle-like arms serve him well as he shows the ability to keep rushers away, creating a wide arc.
Norton does struggle with pad level issues given his height and anchoring against bull-rushers.
The acquisition of Norton serves as a depth piece, likely at left tackle, where he joins Trey Pipkins and Tyree St. Louis as members at the position at the moment.
