For the Chargers, offensive line play has never been more important as the team looks to maximize the contributions of quarterback Justin Herbert in 2023. In their pursuit of keeping their signal caller upright and operating in a clean pocket, the team is looking to reshuffle their front five next season to give themselves an edge over opposing pass rushers.
Brandon Staley spoke to the media on Monday about Jamaree Salyer, who will transition from the tackle position to guard. Staley told reporters Salyer is built to play the interior spots up front, and the third-year coach expects positive results from this latest shake-up to the team’s line.
“I think that’s his natural position,” Staley explained. “But as he proved last year, we know that Jamaree can play outside, but we kind of feel like he’s best suited to play inside. A lot of strengths as a player fit better inside.
To have him, Zion [Johnson] and Corey [Linsley] in the middle of your pocket, that’s certainly what you want to design from an offensive line standpoint. When you have that type of anchor in the middle, athleticism and then when your tackles are athletic like Trey and Rashawn [Slater] are, they have the range and the athleticism to kick to these rushers.”
Tom Telesco said the intention is to put Salyer at right guard and move second-year Zion Johnson to the left side.
Salyer started 15 games at left tackle in place of Rashawn Slater, who suffered a biceps injury in Week 3 that required surgery. Salyer entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft and found himself with more responsibilities than expected. Despite some struggles, he played reasonably well, especially given the circumstance he found himself in.
Whether this move will bear fruit for the Chargers or Salyer will remain to be seen until the 2023 season gets underway. Still, Staley’s conviction in changing the 22-year-old lineman’s position can’t be understated.
If Staley’s assessment of his game is accurate, Los Angeles may have converted a serviceable tackle into a Pro Bowl-caliber guard with this relatively minor offseason decision.