Bolts Make Offensive Linemen Splashes
Jim Harbaugh, all of last offseason, emphasized that keeping Justin Herbert upright is very important. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers had the option to pick a dynamic wide receiver, Malik Nabers, as the fifth overall pick. They chose not to and ended up selecting an offensive tackle in Joe Alt. That decision has given the Chargers arguably the best book-end tackle duo in the league.
Similarly to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers entered the 2025 NFL Free Agency linked to big-name wide receivers, like D.K. Metcalf, Davante Adams, and Tee Higgins. Instead of pushing hard to acquire one of these big shiny toys on offense, the Chargers took the initiative in pursuing key offensive linemen again. The first move in that position came with the re-signing of center Bradley Bozeman who is a great leader and veteran locker room presence. However, Bozeman struggled mightily last season and allowed 27 total pressures.
The Chargers would address the offensive line positions again by signing external free agents. The first signing was the most recent Super Bowl winner and former first-round pick, Mekhi Becton. After a career resurgent year with the Philadelphia Eagles, Becton signed a two-year deal with the Bolts that is reported to be worth $20 million. The right guard was a vital piece in Saquon Barkley’s over 2,000-yard rushing season. Becton earned himself a PFF run blocking grade of 74.7, which is 11 points better than the Chargers starting right guard from last season, Trey Pipkins. With the Chargers needing desperate help in their interior offensive line, Becton seems to be a very good option and piece for offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who wants to be a physical and efficient run team.
The Chargers would not stop there. The team recently signed former Las Vegas Raiders center, Andre James. After a down season, James will look to battle for the starting center position with Bozeman. Career-wise, James has been a very solid center. His best was in 2023 where he posted a rushing block grade of 75 and a passing block grade of 71.2 according to PFF. He should be a great fit in a Chargers power gap scheme, where he flourishes.
With how shaky things were last year in the interior line, the Chargers have done a pretty good job of addressing their weaknesses. Joe Hortiz has brought possibly two new starters and was able to keep former starting linemen on the team for depth purposes. With a new revamped line, Herbert will look to have more time to go through progressions while running lanes will be opened up for newly acquired running back Najee Harris. These moves make the Chargers closer to being that tough physical, ground-and-pound offense.
