The Los Angeles Chargers offensive line struggled last season, ranking 16th overall, according to PFF. As a result of their struggles, the Chargers drafted the best offensive lineman in the draft, Joe Alt, 5th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Alt, a left tackle in college, switched positions this offseason and will likely start at right tackle in 2024.
Their starting RT from last season didn’t have a good 2023 campaign.
The Los Angeles Chargers RT did not play well in 2023
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
After having a solid 2022 season, the Chargers re-signed Trey Pipkins III to a 3-year, $21.75 million contract extension during the 2023 offseason. Pipkins once again started at RT. Unfortunately, he struggled last season, with 49 pressures, 32 hurries, eight hits, nine sacks allowed, seven penalties, and a 62.8 PFF grade.
Due to the team drafting Joe Alt in the 1st round, Pipkins switched positions this offseason.
Trey Pipkins III gets a shot at a new position
Pipkins converted to right guard this offseason. He has never played a snap at guard in the NFL and played most of his college career at tackle. He gets a shot to win the starting job, receiving first-team reps at RG during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
Jim Harbaugh praised Pipkins.
“Extremely capable of doing it,” Harbaugh said about Pipkins. “He’s an outstanding player, he’s an outstanding tackle and he’s an outstanding guard.”
He will compete against a two-time starter.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ versatile offensive lineman will compete as well
Jamaree Salyer will also compete for the starting spot. Salyer, a 6th-round pick from 2022, enters his third year in the league. He took over as the starting LT after Rashawn Slater suffered a ruptured biceps tendon in Week 3 of 2022 and won the starting RG guard job in 2023.
Salyer took a slight step back in production last season, with 41 pressures, 25 hurries, eight hits, eight sacks allowed, three penalties, and a 54.2 PFF grade.
Given Salyer’s ability to play tackle, the Chargers might start Pipkins at RG because Salyer could serve as their swing tackle.
Who wins the starting right guard job?
