ESPN Analyst Highlights Chargers' Offensive Line Needs

Jordan Reid discusses potential center and guard prospects for the Chargers in the 2023 NFL Draft

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid recently discussed the Chargers' offensive line needs and potential prospects they could target in the upcoming draft. Reid highlighted the team's need at center following Bradley Bozeman's retirement, noting there are several intriguing options in the middle rounds. He also discussed top guard prospect Vega Ioane from Penn State, who is commonly mocked to the Chargers, and explained why Ioane is a versatile lineman who can fit any scheme.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offensive line was a weakness last season, and they have several key holes to fill, especially at center and guard. Addressing these positions early in the draft will be crucial for the team to protect star quarterback Justin Herbert and improve their running game.

The details

Reid believes the Chargers could target a center prospect in the third or fourth round, naming players like Sam Hecht from Kansas State, Connor Lew from Auburn, and Logan Jones from Iowa as potential fits. At guard, Reid has Penn State's Vega Ioane as the top-rated prospect, and he explained why Ioane is a scheme-versatile player who can thrive in the Chargers' offense. Reid also mentioned other guard prospects like Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon and Chase Bisontis from Texas A&M as potential second-round options.

  • Last week, Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz said there was an 'opportunity' to address the offensive line in both free agency and the draft.

The players

Jordan Reid

An ESPN NFL Draft analyst who provided analysis on potential offensive line prospects for the Chargers.

Bradley Bozeman

A center who started almost every game for the Chargers over the last two seasons but recently announced his retirement.

Vega Ioane

A guard prospect from Penn State who is the consensus top interior lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have that marquee center in this year's draft class, which does work out for the Chargers. They could take somebody in the third, fourth round. I think that's where the sweet spot is, a lot of good names.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst (chargers.com)

“I think he's a really good weapon as far as the outside zone game, he can do zone scheme stuff as well. I don't think he has limitations as far as scheme, I think he's very scheme versatile.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst (chargers.com)

What’s next

The Chargers will continue to evaluate offensive line prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, with center and guard being key positions of need.

The takeaway

The Chargers have several holes to fill along the offensive line, and addressing those positions early in the draft will be crucial for protecting quarterback Justin Herbert and improving the running game. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid highlighted several intriguing center and guard prospects that could be good fits for the Chargers in the middle rounds.