The Chargers’ offensive line is set at three spots: Left tackle, right guard and right tackle. Meanwhile, left guard and center are up for grabs.
Zion Johnson, who started at guard for the past three seasons, will compete for the starting center job alongside Bradley Bozeman and free-agent addition Andre James.
As the team began Phase Two of the Offseason Program, this marked the first time they were able to establish a rotation at left guard and center, which saw Johnson and Bozeman get reps at both spots with the 1s.
“That’s the way we’re doing it right now,” Jim Harbaugh said, per the team’s official website. “Bradley Bozeman, starting center, Zion starting guard then the next day we flip it to Zion starting center, Brad Bozeman is starting guard. That’s the way it’s been going.
“We’ll see how long that goes until,” Harbaugh added. “Long ways from having to set a starting lineup.”
Harbaugh heaped high praise on Johnson, highlighting his versatility in playing both spots at a high level and citing him as one of the “best five.”
“Those snaps are popping up,” Harbaugh said. “When it comes to technique, he’s at the top. Him, Rashawn, now Joe Alt is with those two at the top. When it comes to athleticism with Zion, he’s probably the most athletic lineman. As a run blocker, probably our best, probably our smartest.”
Harbaugh added: “The versatility to be able to play guard or center, he’s going to be starting at one of those two positions. It just adds versatility to have him be a center as well. We’ll get our best five eventually, but I know he’s going to be one of them.”
If Johnson secures the starting center spot, Bozeman and James will battle it out for starting left guard. Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, rookie Branson Taylor, and Karsen Barnhart will also be in the mix.
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