Chargers Best Offensive Line Combination
Competitors are welcomed to the Los Angeles Chargers, which has been publicly stated by Jim Harbaugh. Also, preached by Harbaugh is how important the offensive line is. Last season, the Chargers were able to learn so much about their offensive line. Firstly, the selection of Joe Alt at pick five in the 2024 NFL Draft was absolutely worth it. Alt was one of the best tackles in his rookie season, and he has provided the Chargers with arguably the best bookend tackle tandem in the whole NFL with him and Rashawn Slater. The Chargers look to have their tackle positions figured out for the foreseeable future and are hoping to extend Slater with a new contract.
The real concern for the Bolts last season was the interior offensive line. Trey Pipkins was moved to guard from tackle, while Bradley Bozeman was brought in to be the team’s starting center. Looking at their numbers, they struggled as opposing teams generated most of their pressure from the inside. The experiment with the new line failed, and it has caused the coaching staff and front office to answer questions about the future of the line.
To answer this question, Joe Hortiz brought in Mekhi Becton, who has already been solidified as the starting right guard. Becton is coming off a career year with the Philadelphia Eagles and looks to follow suit with the Bolts. At center, the Chargers re-signed Bozeman and brought in Andre James for starting competition. However, the competition for the starting center position does not stop there. Former first-round pick and the current left guard for the Chargers, Zion Johnson, has been taking snaps at center. Johnson has never played center, but the Chargers are impressed with what they have seen so far with him at center. It is a real possibility that he walks out as the starter once Week One rolls around.
So far, both tackle spots and right guard are solidified for the Bolts. During training camp, all eyes will shift to who will start at left guard and center. The three players battling for the center spot will also have a shot at starting left guard while including Pipkins, who can play the position. It is evident that the Chargers need a change on their interior offensive line. Becton is a great addition, and if we are throwing predictions around, the line for the Chargers might be Slater, Johnson, James, Becton, and Alt in Week One.
