Los Angeles Chargers are building a multi-purpose offensive lineman

Travis Wakeman

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Los Angeles Chargers are building a multi-purpose offensive lineman image

There is little doubt that when the Los Angeles Chargers take the field in 2024, we will see a much different team than the one that last walked off the field to end the 2023 season. 

Jim Harbaugh is the new head coach and has installed a completely different philosophy. His proven track record is easy to get behind and that will make his ideas, even those that seem a little wild, come across like a great plan. 

One of the things that the Chargers have done in camp is to take offensive lineman Jordan McFadden and use him in multiple roles. And that goes beyond playing at different spots on the offensive line. 

The coaching staff seems intrigued by his athleticism and there could be plans for some fun offensive packages this coming season. 

Jordan McFadden could become a Swiss army knife of sorts for Chargers

McFadden was drafted in the fifth round out of Clemson last year. He played in 12 games, making two starts, as a rookie. But this season, he is likely to see his role increase. 

In addition to getting some first-team work in recent practices while Trey Pipkins rested, we have seen him line up as a fullback in practices. 

There is plenty that the team can do with him in that role. He can obviously be a lead blocker on short-yardage and goal-line situations, but his athleticism has shown through in camp and there is a good chance he could get a pass or two thrown his way this season. 

Remember, Greg Roman is the offensive coordinator of this team. So if you look at his history with the Baltimore Ravens, where the team used Patrick Ricard in the same way, you can see this coming.

McFadden is 6-foot-2 and a touch over 300 pounds. There will be some jumbo package plays with this team this season that highlight the style of play with Harbaugh. This could get fun. 

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Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman Photo

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.