4 Chargers who could become rising stars with strong 2020 season
The Chargers have done a fine job at adding young talent the past couple of years.
There have been some that have earned the status of stardom already like Derwin James, Austin Ekeler and Joey Bosa. But there are a few that could be among the crop with a strong 2020 season.
With a great showing in 2020, here are four Chargers who could enter the mix for that title:
WR Mike Williams
After being banged up during his rookie season in 2017, Williams has been the model of consistency since then. In 2018, the former Clemson product surpassed the 10-touchdown mark. In 2019, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. His 20.4 yards per reception ranked first in the league.
Williams has fallen in second and third tier of wide receivers, while his teammate, Keenan Allen, stacks up among the first tier by many pundits. That could quickly change with a stout campaign this upcoming season.
Some believe the change at quarterback may impact his production, but both Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert have shown to have success with the deep ball, which means there should be plenty of opportunities for the big-bodied target.
LB Drue Tranquill
Tranquill, the fourth-round selection of the 2019 NFL draft, made an impact upon arriving. As the season went on he grew into an integral part of the defense. Tranquill racked up 64 tackles (50 solo), four tackles for loss and one pass defended. He also finished with the most special teams tackles by any rookie (11).
Even though he established himself as the team’s best linebacker in 2019, the former Notre Dame product will still likely split time with Denzel Perryman at MIKE in 2020. Perryman will play middle linebacker on most — if not all — rushing downs, and Tranquill will fill that role on passing downs.
Even if Tranquill is slightly stuck in the mud at the moment, his presence when his opportunities on the field arise – against the run, in coverage and on special teams – should once again stand out. Tranquill is built for the future, but he could earn the status as a top-15 linebacker by the end of the year.
LB Kenneth Murray
A rookie earning this type of hype, you say? Derwin James accomplished it in Year 1.
Taken with the No. 23 overall selection after trading up with the Patriots, Murray is expected to add a dynamic element to the linebacker room and defense as a whole.
Murray is coveted for his ability to make consistent plays on the football, possessing the sideline-to-sideline speed, range and tenacious mentality against the run, in coverage and as a blitzer. His style of play is easy to translate to the NFL.
Murray has the talent and skillset to be a really good linebacker and locker room presence for the next decade, especially playing alongside Tranquill. Murray and Tranquill could be one of the better linebacker tandems for many years to come.
RB Justin Jackson
Jackson received limited touches and missed nine games due to injuries. But when he’s touched the ball, he’s been productive, amassing 38 carries for 222 total yards and 5.8 yards per touch.
With Melvin Gordon no longer around, Jackson could thrive. At Northwestern, Jackson displayed the ability to be productive in the rushing and receiving game. Jackson averaged 1,360 rushing yards and 214.5 receiving yards.
Even after drafting RB Joshua Kelley in the fourth-round of this year’s draft, the team is still “very high” on Jackson despite the durability concerns. If he can stay healthy, Jackson could become a very efficient back.
