The Chargers’ preseason opener against the Cardinals featured nearly all rookies from the 2019 draft class. But one of them that had to stand and watch from the sidelines was first-round selection defensive tackle Jerry Tillery.
Tillery has been limited after sustaining a shoulder injury in his final season at Notre Dame. He started participating in team drills for the first time last Sunday. Today at practice, Tillery showed what he can bring to the table.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley noticed and had some praise for Tillery following Sunday’s session.
“I think today was the first day because he was involved more where he stood out in a team situation. We saw flashes of it. You’re like, ‘Oh, okay! We just saw a flash of Jerry Tillery.’ I think as he gets more and more reps — he’s mentally (strong). I think he just needs the physical part of it now. You know, the lining up, the block-reaction and things like that,” Bradley said.
Tillery, the 6-foot-6 and 295 pound interior defender, should be an immediate contributor when he steps foot on the field. He has primarily played inside, but Bradley said the Chargers like him on the edge, too.
The former Fighting Irish should be able to win no matter where he is lined up. His ability to push the pocket and create disruption with his strength, length and great technique should cause problems for any offensive linemen.
It’s uncertain whether or not Tillery will play against the Saints for the second preseason game. But from the comment he made today, “That’s something I’ll definitely use when I’m out there next week,” from what he learned watching on Thursday, it sounds promising that he will make his professional preseason debut next Sunday.
