LA Chargers: 3 players facing make-or-break seasons in 2021

2 of 4

Nov 29, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (99) / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jerry Tillery

Jerry Tillery is entering his third season in the league and thus far has been arguably the most disappointing first-round pick that Tom Telesco has made. Jason Verrett and D.J. Fluker are also in that conversation but Fluker was a quality starter and still is and Verrett was a Pro Bowl talent that couldn't stay healthy.

Tillery has not put it all together in the league yet. He has had brief flashes where he looked like he turned a corner. Tillery played really well in Week 1 last season and had every Charger fan predicting a breakout season in year two. It was not meant to be, though.

The inconsistencies and dumb penalties have burned Tillery thus far in his career and he is going to have to turn it around. Luckily, the Chargers hired one of the best defensive minds in football in Brandon Staley. If Tillery is going to turn it around now is the time.

If he does not turn it around with Staley leading the way then it might be time to give up on him playing up to his first-round status. That does not mean that he cannot be a solid player in the league, but there are holes in his game that will keep him from living up to said expectations.

There are some fans that are expecting Tillery to be a big part of the LA Chargers defense in 2021. Hopefully those fans are correct with their optimism.