The Los Angeles Chargers, by many accounts, have done a masterful job of handling the changes to the team's roster this offseason with a new general manager and new head coach in charge. However, one spot on the team remains a glaring hole, for some.
With the release and subsequent retirement of Corey Linsley now official, the center position is one where the Chargers could have a weakness. Linsley was one of the best centers in the league and, at least for now, that job belongs to Bradley Bozeman.
This is something the Chargers knew was coming and have been planning for. Bozeman was signed back in March, less than a week after being released by the Carolina Panthers.
The Chargers could have one of the best offensive lines in all of football this season with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater as the tackles and Zion Johnson and either Trey Pipkins or Jamaree Salyer inside at guard. But the center is a key cog and Bozeman will have to be much better than he was in Carolina.
Bradley Bozeman has massive shoes to fill as Chargers center
Bozeman spent the past two seasons with the Panthers and gave up eight sacks last year, the most in the league by a center. He was also working with a rookie quarterback and now gets to have one of the league's top overall quarterbacks, Justin Herbert, on his side.
Bozeman also spent time with Greg Roman, now the Chargers' offensive coordinator, when both were with the Baltimore Ravens. That was definitely a factor in Bozeman's signings.
Should Bozeman falter, the Chargers will consider other options because Jim Harbaugh has a no-nonsense approach, especially when it comes to the offensive line. Brenden Jaimes is one in-house option that many have already speculated could be moved to that spot if Bozeman underperforms.
For now, it will be Bozeman getting the first chance to replace Linsley. Though it is just one position, it's often the most overlooked position on the entire roster. If he can step up and play well, this Chargers offensive line goes from good to excellent.
