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Jim Harbaugh Gives Surprising Update On Chargers Offensive Line

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Dyrud | Last updated May 9, 2025 9:53 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers began their rookie minicamp today at The Bolt in El Segundo. Most of the position groups are fairly set in terms of who will be the starters, but there are some questions regarding the offensive line.

After the Chargers re-signed Bradley Bozeman to a two-year deal, conventional wisdom said that the starting five would be relatively the same, with the exception of newly signed Mekhi Becton sliding in at right guard for Trey Pipkins.

However, after today’s practice, head coach Jim Harbaugh gave an interesting update regarding both Bozeman and former first-round pick Zion Johnson.

Jim Harbaugh Gives Update On Chargers’ Potential Offensive Line Rotation

According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic , Harbaugh said that both Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson have been working at center. Bozeman is at center one day, while Johnson is at left guard, and then the two swap the following day.

“We’ll see how long that goes in that order,” Harbaugh said. “Long ways from having to set a starting lineup.”

Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman have both been working at center, per Jim Harbaugh. Bozeman at C and Johnson at LG one day; Johnson at C and Bozeman at LG the next day. "We'll see how long that goes in that order," Harbaugh said. "Long ways from having to set a starting lineup."
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) May 9, 2025

This is a really interesting development, as the Chargers did not draft an offensive lineman until the 6th round of this year’s draft. They did sign former Raiders center Andre James, who could compete for the starting spot, but at this point, it seems like at least Johnson is a lock to be a starter.

“When it comes to athleticism with Zion, he’s probably our most athletic lineman…probably our smartest if we were to take an SAT test or football test,” Harbaugh continued. “He’s going to be starting at one of those two positions.”

Just recently, the Chargers declined to pick up Johnson’s 5th-year option, so this season will be the final year of his rookie contract.

Johnson has virtually played zero snaps at center dating back to his days at Boston College. He played some outside at tackle, but has primarily always been a guard. Bozeman was primarily a center in college at Alabama, but when he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, he was moved to left guard, so he does have experience there.

It will be interesting to see how this camp battle plays out and if Andre James ends up inserting himself into it as well.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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