Chargers Rookie Offensive Lineman Could be a Key 2024 Starter

Jordan McFadden made his first start of his career in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos. While drafted to be a long-term interior backup, what does his future look like in 2024? Has it changed since Tom Telesco decided to select him in the fifth round?

Jordan McFadden Could Be Playing Himself Into A Larger Role

The Chargers drafted Jordan McFadden in the fifth round in 2023 in hopes he would make the transition from offensive tackle to guard. McFadden is a small offensive lineman, who possesses quality traits. He could get to the second level in a hurry, hold up in pass protection with a strong anchor, as well as move defenders in the run game. Though these are all extremely good traits, his 6′-2″ 300-pound frame is quite small, especially for an NFL offensive tackle.

The Chargers did the right thing and moved him to guard, where he has been developing his skills in the interior. The 24-year-old eventually got his chance to show he has grown since being moved to a position he had no experience playing at the collegiate level. This took place during the Chargers Week 17 battle against the Denver Broncos. With a team that has suffered so much attrition, the expectations were very low for McFadden.

McFadden played extraordinarily well filling in at left guard for 2022 first-round selection, Zion Johnson. The Clemson product graded out well in his first start. His 84.8 pass-blocking grade for the season ranks him first among all Chargers. Beyond his ability to pass protect, he has also been used sparingly throughout the season as a jumbo fullback, where he has used his natural leverage to help the Chargers in short-yardage situations.

With Zion Johnson as of writing trending to not playing in week 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs, it looks like Jordan McFadden will have another opportunity to show his abilities as another option at guard.

Where Would Jordan McFadden Play in 2024 – 2 Possible Solutions

With the 2023 season coming to a close, Charger fans should start thinking about the 2024 bolts. The Chargers need to revamp this offensive line and bring it back to form. 2023 has not yielded good results amongst the entire offensive line. Losing your top two centers will do that to you. The inability to pick up stunts, communicate, and generally perform as expected has affected the Chargers drastically. Beyond injuries though, the talent is there, just needs to be put in the right spots.

Solution #1 – Salyer Back to Tackle

The first proposed solution would be to play Jamaree Salyer back at tackle, where he had his strong rookie season. So, who would fill in at that guard spot? Jordan McFadden. When drafted, this was likely not the initial plan, but now that the season has played out, this selection could give the Chargers much-needed flexibility. Jamaree Salyer has played only left tackle in the pros but has plenty of experience in college playing on the right side. With Salyer moving to right tackle, what would the Chargers do with Trey Pipkins?

Pipkins has been extremely disappointing in 2023 and should go back to the bench, where he has been majority of his career. A strong 2022 had the Chargers give him a 3-year deal worth $21,750,000. After this season, this contract has not aged well. This solution would allow the Chargers the option to cut Pipkins. This would have the chargers eat $750,000 in 2024 dead cap, which is truly just a grain of sand in a desert when you consider the entire cap situation. If the Bolts decide to keep him on the roster and have a very expensive swing tackle, that is just fine as well. Experienced depth is better than no depth. 

The Offensive line would be as follows: Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Any Center, Jordan McFadden, and Jamaree Salyer. A strong offensive tackle duo paired with a young guard duo. Center is a massive hole in this solution. However, it would be the same if you were to not do anything with Jordan McFadden in 2024. 

Solution #2 – Zion Johnson to Center

The second proposed solution is to focus on the interior offensive line. Rolling with Trey Pipkins as your right tackle, hoping for him to bounce back in 2024. This offensive line combination would have Zion Johnson playing center. He proved to NFL teams this is part of his game during the Senior Bowl. On paper, this sounds like a strong solution, as the Chargers would not have to go out and spend draft capital or cap space on a Corey Linsley replacement.

The caveat is that, well, Johnson has not played any live game action at center. You will be relying on him to change positions once again, after moving from right to left guard in 2023. A very young offensive line with nobody to call out protections other than Justin Herbert himself is a pretty risky maneuver.

The offensive line would be as follows: Rashawn Slater, Jordan McFadden, Zion Johnson, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins. This solution is a completely high risk, high reward. If it works out, you get an extremely cheap, young, strong offensive line while keeping all your assets to build the rest of the Chargers team. If it does not work out, you likely ruined Johnson’s Chargers’ career as he has made so many moves among the offensive line, and you are stuck with no other formidable options at center.

The Chargers future front office has a lot of decisions to make across the offensive line. They have plenty of options, which is great, but choosing the wrong one could set the team back. Jordan McFadden is a major key in these possibilities, and this fifth-round rookie has given the Chargers a more flexible future.