Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh took time to answer questions from the media before Tuesday’s organized team activities and was asked about his assessment of the offensive line.
The position group has undergone a minor rebuild at center and across both right-side positions. The Chargers added Bradley Bozeman to replace Corey Linsley after his early retirement brought on by a non-emergent heart-related issue. They also added Joe Alt with the 5th overall pick in the 2024 Draft in April.
Jim Harbaugh on the Chargers Offensive Line
“I think it’s on track to be [a] top tier offensive line in the NFL. Rashawn [Slater], Zion [Johnson], Bradely Bozeman, probably Trey Pipkins and Joe Alt. Those five have really separared themselves. The sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth offensive linemen require pads to sort those out because they’ll be close.”
The starting linemen don’t present too many surprises except for maybe Trey Pipkin’s move from right tackle to right guard. He will play guard for the first time in his career this season. A move Harbaugh is unconcerned about.
“[He’s] extremely capable. He’s a he’s an outstanding player he’s an outstanding tackle uh and he’s an outstanding guard. The idea is getting to our best five at all times. Playing that it may shake out and you’ll know what the what the rotation is, but you just need five really good ones. The five best you have playing as one.”
“Not having a weak link is critical and I think we’re trending to really having a top to bottom outstanding offensive line.”
“Pretty much every offensive lineman has that versatility [to move from] guard to tackle, right to left um you know.”
“I don’t think that’s a rare, uncommon thing. Especially for how athletic and good Trey Pipkins is.”
