What Grade Should The Chargers Get For Drafting Offensive Tackle Jordan McFadden? 

Drafted in the fifth round, Jordan McFadden looks to bring some much needed depth to the offensive line.

The Los Angeles Chargers selected offensive tackle Jordan McFadden from Clemson in Round 5 with the 156th pick. Below we’ll look at his skill set and what he could bring to the Chargers roster.

Jordan McFadden’s Experience

McFadden is big-bodied at 303 and 6’2’’, and when he plays, he uses everything he has to push his blocks away and stop them from outmaneuvering him. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), in 2022 he only allowed four sacks, one quarterback hit, eight hurries, and 13 quarterback pressures, and in true pass-blocking sets, those numbers were even smaller. He’s also had run-blocking grades mainly in the 80s throughout his college career, and the Chargers definitely need all the help they can get in that area.

The NFL combine analyst remarked on the fact that he has experience at both tackle spots and that he is “balanced and firm into the initial contact as a run blocker, and “typically keeps defenders centered in his power zone.” One of his weaknesses was around hand placement and making sure that he connects with a player’s pads, and ultimately the analysis saw him as a “good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.”

Grade The Pick!

NFL: Combine
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

How May McFadden Fit Within the Chargers Depth Chart?

Given that he can play multiple tackle positions, McFadden should work out well as a second backup option. So if something does happen with Trey Pipkins or Rashawn Slater, yes there are the go-to guys like Jamaree Salyer and Foster Sarell to lean on, but McFadden could also step in. The Chargers have needed depth in this position group and it’s great to see a contingency plan.

The Chargers should get an A- for drafting McFadden, as he seems like a solid addition to a quickly developing offensive line.