LA Chargers: Grading the 2020 offensive line
LA Chargers’ left guard:
Dan Feeney will probably have the job as he moves back to his primary position with Pouncey Healthy, but the Chargers will look at Lamp’s progress as well.
Dan Feeney
After Pouncey’s neck injury in 2019, Feeney and Scott Quessenberry slotted into the center spot. That tended to work for Quessenberry more often than it did for Feeney, given that center isn’t his natural position.
Despite the position shifting that occurred based on the needs of the line, Feeney actually had an OK year. It was a pretty average season for a left guard, but that’s great when considering how the previous season went. He graded 17 points higher as a pass blocker than he did in 2018. Despite playing more snaps, Feeney allowed fewer sacks and pressures than he did the year before as well.
No one should expect Feeney to develop a lot more than he already has, but he’s a decent constant on the line. He’s probably not the long term solution at left guard, but he’s better than most give him credit for. If he becomes even marginally better at a run blocker, it would really help the whole line.
LG Forrest Lamp
Lamp has unfortunately been hit by injury after injury. In 2017, he tore his ACL in practice. In 2019, it seemed like he was developing pretty well until suffering a season-ending ankle injury vs. Tennessee.
At this point, it’s wait and see for any development. Lamp was a highly touted prospect, and for good reason. His college career at Western Kentucky was solid. With 2020 on the horizon, fans just hope he can stay healthy.
There were some definite flashes he showed in the Miami, Denver, and Pittsburgh games. If he wins more playing time, most would agree his ceiling is probably higher than Feeney’s. He has a very good presence as a pass blocker. It’s all just about staying on the field.