For the first time in months, clarity is emerging along the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line — a unit that entered the offseason riddled with uncertainty. With new head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz prioritizing the trenches, the Bolts have stabilized three of five starting spots. But as training camp nears, a fierce battle remains underway at left guard and center — positions that could ultimately define the offense in 2025.
Tackles Anchored, Right Side Dominant
The edges of the line are set. Former All-Pro Rashawn Slater returns at left tackle, and 2024 first-round pick Joe Alt enters Year 2 with sky-high expectations.
“I think he’s on track for a Hall of Fame type of career,” Harbaugh said on the Chargers Weekly podcast. “He is so strong now… ascending as much as any player on our team is Joe Alt going into Year 2.”
Alt finished last season with a 94.3% pass-block win rate — fourth among all tackles, per ESPN — and has earned praise throughout the offseason for his physical development and mental command. His partner on the right side, 6-foot-7, 363-pound Mekhi Becton, is moving inside to guard after a productive stretch with the Eagles. Harbaugh sees dominance in that pairing.
“You just start visualizing that size, that length on the right side with Mekhi and Joe,” he said. “The run blocking is elite. Pass blocking as well — elite.”
Zion Johnson’s Move to Center Highlights Position Battle
Got That Big Dicker (The Kicker) Energy?
The interior, however, remains fluid. The biggest change: 2022 first-round pick Zion Johnson has been taking snaps at center after two years at guard. Harbaugh said the team is “really excited” about Johnson’s transition, citing his college Senior Bowl reps and natural football intelligence.
Free-agent signee Bradley Bozeman, who started at center last season, is also in the mix — creating what Harbaugh called a “really good” competition between the two. In fact, Johnson and Bozeman have been alternating reps at both center and left guard, and a decision is expected eight to ten days into camp.
“The versatility that we now have… Maybe the combination is going to be better with Zion at center and Boze at guard,” Harbaugh said. “But if it’s not, we know we have a great combination with Boze at center and Zion at guard.”
Left Guard Still Unsettled
With Johnson’s old spot at left guard vacant, Trey Pipkins III has emerged as the early frontrunner. Though he played right guard last year after converting from tackle, he’s “probably been the No. 1 guy” at LG during OTAs, according to Harbaugh. However, Pipkins has yet to play the position in a regular-season game, and his run-blocking inconsistency remains a concern.
Bozeman could slide to left guard if Johnson wins the center job, though pass protection has never been his strong suit.
“You don’t count people out,” Harbaugh said. “Just because they haven’t done something doesn’t mean they can’t.”
Stronger Depth Behind the Starters
The Chargers aren’t just better at the top — their depth has improved significantly. Harbaugh singled out Jamaree Salyer, who is “almost all the way there” physically, and veteran Andre James as crucial insurance options. Pipkins, if not starting, will serve as a swing tackle — an invaluable luxury in today’s NFL.
“Tremendous value,” Harbaugh said. “We have a starting-caliber offensive lineman who is our swing tackle… If something happens to our two All-Pros, we’ve got a great player in Trey Pipkins.”
Big Picture: Building a Bully Up Front
Harbaugh is unapologetically committed to building from the line out — and he’s bullish about the progress.
“I think we’re way better,” he said. “It takes offensive linemen a year to physically develop, mature, and understand everything. Our drafted and signed offensive linemen… we’re better in that 8-to-14 range than we were last year.”
With Justin Herbert returning and Harbaugh establishing a physical tone, how the center and left guard battles shake out could dictate the success of the offense — and the Chargers’ ceiling in 2025.
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