Offseason training continues for the Chargers this weekend when the organization gets its first chance to evaluate its youngest players.
The team’s three-day rookie minicamp kicked off on Friday. Even though players aren’t wearing pads and no hitting is allowed, Los Angeles will get their first chance to see their seven draft picks, 19 undrafted free agents and other invited participants work out at Hoag Performance Center.
Here are four things to keep an eye on throughout the weekend.
Defensive Tackles
The Chargers lost three defensive tackles from the 2018 season, but they gained two key players in the draft with the selections of first rounder Jerry Tillery and seventh rounder Cortez Broughton.
Both players are ideal fits for what the team looks for at the three-technique. They possess the size, length, movement skills, athleticism and offer a penetrating style of play up front to push the pocket and get into the backfield. There’s no denying that they’re enticing to watch on tape in college, so now it’s just a matter if they can be just as disruptive as pros.
Aside from those two, there’s one undrafted free agent that could make a push to make the 53-man roster. That player is former North Carolina State nose tackle Eurndraus Bryant. The 6-foot-1 and 330 pounder was stout for the Wolfpack, and he has the ability to play behind Brandon Mebane with a strong showing this weekend, given their lack of depth at the zero-technique.
The free safety the Chargers have been looking for
The Chargers were desperately in need of a true free safety after spending many years without a consistent one. The team was able to see former Delaware product Nasir Adderley fall to them in the second round after being touted as a first rounder throughout the pre-draft process.
Expected to play primarily as the single-high safety, Adderley has the ability to be versatile just like former first-round selection Derwin James. He can play some corner, line up across from wide receivers and tight ends and offers special teams value.
It’ll be interesting to see if Los Angeles takes advantage of that skillset this weekend. The bottom line is that it’ll be fun to see his play speed, range and ball skills on display for the first time suited up as a professional.
What does Trey Pipkins bring to the table?
The Chargers addressed the offensive tackle position with their third round selection Trey Pipkins. Pipkins, a Division II standout, was a relative unknown to most people when the selection was announced at the end of Day 2.
General manager Tom Telesco raved about Pipkins and how it’s hard to find tackles that are tall, long and have really good feet that can work and are smart and have awareness. Pipkins is seen as a project who has the upside to start at left tackle in the long run, and is unlikely to earn the starting job at right tackle over Sam Tevi to start the 2019 season.
Nonetheless, the big thing to keep an eye on is simply how he looks and where they play him at, whether that be at left or right tackle. With limited tape available on him, we haven’t been able to get a good glimpse at what the former Sioux Falls product looks like.
There’s a lot of jazz about his movement skills and foot speed, but seeing how he can handle stronger edge rushers will be important as he lacks the size and strength at the moment.
Who could be this year’s undrafted breakout Charger?
There are always gems that are found in the undrafted free agent pool, and the Chargers have a history of doing just that. The 22 straight seasons that an UDFA has made the first 53-man roster at the start of the season is the best streak in the NFL.
On paper, Los Angeles didn’t bring in anyone that shined among others throughout their collegiate career. Instead, they targeted mostly depth players. But even though they didn’t standout, there will always be the diamond in the rough players, which could be the case here.
We mentioned nose tackle Eurndraus Bryant as a player that has a high chance of making the roster and contributing. Other possibilities include former Duke tight end Daniel Helm and former Michigan State Matt Sokol that could compete behind Hunter Henry and Virgil Green.
