Chargers 2019 first-round pick Jerry Tillery’s rookie season wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
He was drafted to give the interior part of the defensive line a boost in the pass rushing department. But he was behind in terms of both his tenacity and technique when dealing with double teams.
A reason for his struggles could have been to his lack of exposure heading into his rookie campaign.
Tillery had shoulder surgery last March and missed all of the spring practices. No rookie minicamp. No OTAs. No regular minicamp. And he was out for the first week of training camp before easing back in.
With a full offseason and a full spring and summer, the team has high hopes that he can become a force up front.
D line work. Jerry Tillery, No. 99, looking quick. #Chargers pic.twitter.com/UR85ZRyebN
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 18, 2020
Los Angeles has indicated that they want Tillery to focus on one position, which is as a three-technique defensive tackle, but now it appears they are willing to move him around to see where he can be most productive.
Tillery has been handed the workload of reps at defensive end. Coach Anthony Lynn has been pleased with how he’s been doing there, citing that the team loves his versatility.
Tillery has a blend of power, length, mass, flexibility and athleticism, which are all traits that would allow him to be moved along the defensive line.
It will be interesting to see how Tillery is used in 2020. I still expect him to play inside, but he could be kicked out as a base end and a five-technique.
