LA Chargers: ESPN names two young Chargers primed to break out
By Jason Reed
The LA Chargers are projected to have some breakout players in 2020.
The LA Chargers have one of the most talented rosters in the entire league. The Bolts have some of the best weapons in the league on offense and a stacked defense that is highlighted by a great secondary and pass-rush.
We all know the big names that are going to make noise for the Chargers this season — Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen, Derwin James — the list goes on and on.
However, the Chargers also have players on their roster that are primed to break out and defy expectations. The biggest hope for every Charger fan is that Tyrod Taylor shatters his expectations at the quarterback position, although, there are other young players that are primed for a breakout as well.
Rivers McCown of ESPN ranked 25 young NFL players that could have a breakout season in 2020 (subscription required). There were two young Chargers that made the list.
Two young LA Chargers that are primed for a breakout season:
1. Drue Tranquill
Drue Tranquill was ranked 13th on the list and has been someone that most Charger fans are excited about in the 2020 season. Tranquill had a really good rookie season last year and caught everyone by surprise as a fourth-round pick.
Tranquill is going to see plenty of reps as the linebacker due to his fantastic ability to be a coverage linebacker, something that is extremely important for the Chargers’ defensive schemes. However, if he continues to make the strides in running downs that he made last season he easily could be an every-down linebacker for the Chargers.
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Personally, I don’t think he will be a true every-down linebacker simply because of the depth that the Chargers have in the position and how often they get creative and will use someone such as Derwin James or Desmond King at linebacker.
Plus, Tranquill is really special in special teams and the Chargers might want to give him some sort of break on the defensive side of things to keep him fresh. Regardless, Tranquill is an impact player in two facets of the game. That is huge.
2. Justin Jackson
Justin Jackson came one spot behind Drue Tranquill at 14th and I understand the excitement around what he is capable of. Jackson first came onto the scene in the Charger’s comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, which was fueled in part by Jackson’s tremendous second half.
When Jackson has been on the field he has been really good as well. Jackson has only carried the ball 79 times in his young career and has 404 rushing yards and two touchdowns — an average yards per carry of 5.1.
The problem with Jackson is he has not been able to stay healthy. Now, this won’t impact his overall talent, but the Chargers know this and that is why they drafted a workhorse back in Joshua Kelley in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
I think Jackson has a few big games and makes some highlight-reel plays here and there, but I do not think he is going to get the overall workload in 2020 to be considered a breakout player?
What do you think? Are there any other young players on the LA Chargers primed for a breakout season? Let us know in the comments down below.