After finishing the 2023 season with a 5-12 record under HC Brandon Staley and interim HC Giff Smith, the Chargers turned to Jim Harbaugh. Under Coach Harbaugh, the team climbed to second from the bottom, finishing the season at 11-6, although they lost to the Texans in the Wild Card round. However, they did play some good football throughout the season. The Chargers’ defense improved significantly under his mentorship. However, the Bolts’ offensive line still needs some improvements, and their brass has been addressing that in the drafts. 

It’s no secret that OT Rashawn Slater and guard Zion Johnson are two key protectors of QB Justin Herbert. Last year, the Chargers picked up the fifth-year option on Rashawn’s contract, so now he is in line to become an unrestricted free agent next year. Considering his role on the Chargers’ offensive line, people have been eagerly awaiting updates on the tackle’s contract extension. So, when GM Joe Hortiz was asked about it at the post-draft conference, he said, “We’ve had conversations. Progress. We keep talking, that’s progress. Yeah, I mean, I guess. When the deal’s done, you know, we’ll report it. I promise you.” That’s promising, however, this isn’t the only concern.

The team also has to decide on guard Zion Johnson’s fifth-year option. Drafted in 2022, Zion is entering the fourth year of his $14.75 million rookie contract. Honestly, the Boston alum has not lived up to the hype during his three seasons with the team. While he hasn’t been all bad when protecting QB Justin Herbert during pass plays, Zion has been involved in some costly mistakes for the offense.

So, on one hand, Slater’s extension is likely to happen. But as for Johnson, Hortiz did not sound very positive. It seems likely that the Chargers will not pick up his fifth-year option, meaning this might be Zion’s last year on the Chargers‘ roster.

So, while some O-line decisions remain uncertain, Jim Harbaugh and the team’s defensive decisions have also been drawing attention. The third-round pick of theirs is raising some questions. 

Jim Harbaugh’s third-round pick draws mixed reactions

The Chargers had nine picks in total this year. Out of those nine, Jim Harbaugh and Co. drafted five players for the offensive side of the ball. In the first round of the draft, the team selected RB Omarion Hampton and WR Tre Harris from Ole Miss. However, on day two and in round 3, when they turned their attention to the defense, their selection raised a few questions. Jim Harbaugh picked Oregon DT Jamaree Caldwell.

Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 332 pounds, Jamaree looks promising. But it’s his college stats that are leading to some doubts. In his lone season at Oregon, the 24-year-old recorded 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3 pass breakups. Caldwell did not register any sacks, leading some analysts to wonder about his pass-rushing effectiveness. And that’s the main reason a few analysts are skeptical about Harbaugh spending an early-round pick on the Oregon DT.

“The Chargers needed beef on the interior and added an NFL-sized body in Caldwell. Probably more of a run-stuffer than a pass rusher,” noted Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald, who awarded him a Grade: C+. Well, Jamaree’s physique aligns with Coach Jim Harbaugh’s defensive strategy. And now that they’ve drafted him, Harbaugh will know how to best utilize the DT. So, we will see if Caldwell will be able to silence the doubters in the coming season, or if the critics will only get louder once the season begins.