LA Chargers: The four variables that will determine offensive line success

First LA Chargers’ offensive line variable: If Trey Pipkins can take a huge step in year two

This is something that Campen absolutely can have an impact on in 2020. In Trey Pipkins, the Chargers have a developmental tackle that they selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft that has the raw skills to succeed but needs to be polished up.

That is exactly what an experienced offensive line coach is brought in for. Pipkins is likely going to be one of Campen’s main focuses in training camp as he likely will be tasked with protecting Tyrod Taylor’s blindside in 2020.

You could make the case that someone such as Sam Tevi, Storm Norton or even Forrest Lamp could start at left tackle, but I do not think that is the case. The only way I see Pipkins not starting in 2020 is if he gets hurt or the team brings in Jason Peters, which seems unlikely.

I am higher on Pipkins than most people as he showed some really good signs last season. However, he was thrown into the fire because of injuries and was forced to start far before he was ready.

So while he got the hang of it at times and was a great blocker, he also had quite a few mistakes that led to sacks and quarterback pressures.

This could really go either way and this is an important moment in Pipkins’ career. Will he take that next step that the Chargers are hoping for, or will he create a talent-vacuum at the left tackle position that immediately hinders the offensive line as a whole?