The 2023 Chargers Offensive Line: Will Jamaree Salyer Be A Starter At Left Guard?
Rashawn Slater was a dominant force in his first year, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) he was only responsible for four sacks, six quarterback hits, 16 quarterback hurries, and 26 quarterback pressures. So when he went down in Week 3 with a torn bicep, it wasn’t quite clear how the LA Chargers offensive line could replace him.
Then Jamaree Salyer came into the picture, and he was exactly what the Chargers needed to keep Justin Herbert protected.
The Case For Salyer
Last season’s starting left guard, Matt Feiler has been released by the team, and Slater is slated to return to his old position, all arrows point to Salyer being given the opportunity to start at left guard along the Chargers offensive line.
Salyer is a vast improvement over Feiler and all of this indicates that Salyer will be moved to left guard. According to Eric Smith, the Chargers senior writer, Brandon Staley mentioned that they think the inside is Salyer’s “natural position” at the Annual League Meeting. Nothing is set in stone until the final roster is declared, and as we all know anything can happen in the NFL, but unless the Chargers draft a left guard or acquire a more experienced one this offseason, it’s looking good for Slayer.
What do you think? Will Jamaree Salyer be the starting left guard for the Chargers Offensive Line?
What Makes Salyer Special?
Though definitely not Slater, Salyer only allowed five sacks throughout the season, along with 10 hits, 33 hurries, and 48 pressures. Not bad for a rookie. He sometimes struggled with the pass rush from higher-powered edge rushers but played with aggressiveness and determination, and, despite his inexperience, protected Herbert well.
He originally was acquired for the Chargers offensive line as a swing guard and played guard throughout training camp, but given the versatility he displayed at Georgia, having played multiple positions on the offensive line (in 2021 he played 515 snaps at left tackle and 56 at right guard) he was the perfect fit as an alternative to Slater.