After shifting their primary focus to the offensive line this offseason, the Chargers’ starting tackles are set in stone, with rookie Rashawn Slater slated to protect quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside and veteran Bryan Bulaga returning to man the right side.
However, for a team that has dealt with injuries up front along the edges in the past, especially to Bulaga last season, they have to be prepared for worst-case scenario. That is why the battle for the backup tackle spot is an intriguing competition during training camp.
Returning players who are vouching for a spot are Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton.
Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick of the 2019 NFL draft, has made eight starts. He has shown some growth but not enough to move the needle, yet the team still remains bullish on him. Norton, on the other hand, who was signed last offseason, played well in his three starts at right tackle.
In addition, Matt Feiler, who was signed this offseason, will start at left guard but he has experience at tackle to fill in if needed.
Added into the mix will be rookies Brenden Jaimes, Darius Harper and Kyle Spalding.
Drafted in the fifth-round out of Nebraska, Jaimes set a school record with 40 consecutive starts. Even though he played his entire collegiate career at tackle, Jaimes projects as a guard due to his lack of measurements. However, he has proven to play tackle at a high level.
Harper earned All-AAC Honorable Mention in 2020 at right tackle for Cincinnati. He was a part of a unit that allowed a AAC-low nine sacks. Spalding, the former San Diego State product, was a First-Team Mountain West selection last season after allowing one sack.
Given the professional experience, Pipkins and Norton are the front-runners for the spot. However, heading into camp, the two must show improvement with their functional strength to hold up against stronger pass-rushers on a snap-to-snap basis.
While I ultimately expect Pipkins and Norton to be the next men up on the depth chart, Jaimes is the one who could prove his worth to the coaching staff for the role, with upside to start over the two if called upon.
Meanwhile, Harper and Spalding will likely be competing for a spot on the practice squad.
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