LA has addressed their lack of depth on the offensive line.
Clemson’s Jordan McFadden became the latest rookie to join the Chargers when he was selected with the 156th overall pick. A three-year starter and team captain at Clemson, McFadden started 39 straight games between left and right tackle.
McFadden profiles as a guard in the NFL at just 6’2” despite his 34” arms. With above average foot speed, he should excel in zone blocking concepts, and his length will serve him well to reach defensive linemen from the interior.
McFadden had a 7.10 RAS with elite speed grades, but his player card illustrates the size concerns that will preclude him from staying on the outside in the NFL. It’s a tad reminiscent of LA’s selection of Jamaree Salyer a season ago. Salyer, of course, went on to start double digit games at left tackle and is penciled in as a starter at guard entering the 2023 season.
McFadden’s rise up the depth chart will likely not be as auspicious. However, it does fill a valuable need for a Chargers team who had few depth options on the offensive line and struggled with injuries a season ago. He’ll likely enter the season as the swing guard, but could theoretically compete for the swing tackle spot as well if LA thinks his experience at Clemson outweighs his outlier size.
He’s a bit of a lunger in pass protection and his play strength varies due to his smaller stature, but a move inside will give McFadden a smaller area to work with. That way, he can use his speed to catch opposing linemen off guard and won’t have to reach for players trying to slip past him.
Bottom line: the Chargers needed depth on the offensive line. McFadden is an experienced leader who will add that depth wherever LA asks him to.
