After the 2025 NFL Combine interview with Chargers General Manager, Joe Hortiz, the biggest news that came out was Hortiz’s idea to move former first-round Chargers pick, Zion Johnson to Center.
Is this a plausible solution for the Chargers? Does this give them the best five offensive linemen out on the field?
Former Chargers First Round Pick Could Be Moving Positions
“I think he can do it. I really do.” Joe Hortiz furthers his statements by saying, “I know he’s working at it right now.” Hortiz said of Johnson in regard to his position switch. With that said, there are plenty of questions that are being asked in regard to the thought process that Hortiz and Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh had with Johnson’s position switch.
Question #1: Why?
Delving into the thought process of the Zion Johnson to Center experiment is pretty simple. The interior offensive line last year was terrible and Johnson was arguably the best individual on the interior, leading him to have a chance to stay starting for this team. Especially since he is a former first-round pick and Center could be the easiest path to starting. But why move his positions if he was just OK at his “natural” position?
Johnson worked at Center during the Senior Bowl when he was coming out of the draft, showing that he has enough experience to at least warrant trying out for the position. Furthermore, the competition aspect of things will bring out the best in all the interior linemen giving the Chargers plenty of options for the two spots that are open: Center & Left Guard.
Question #2: Who Is Competing With For The Former Chargers First Round Pick?
Competition for Zion Johnson is quite vast considering the re-signing of Bradley Bozeman and the newest signee, Andre James. Both bring major starting experience that could give them the inside lane to start over Johnson.
More specifically with Bozeman, the pros and cons of him starting at Center over Johnson are:
+ Experience & Positional Versatility
+ Continuity with the offense, as he was the Starting Center last year
+ Signed on a two-year contract
+ A Greg Roman Favorite
– Older age at 30, compared to Zion Johnson’s 25
– Lack of athleticism
– Contract is low-dollar
– Poor play in 2024 led the Chargers to bring in multiple other options
As for James, the pros and cons of him starting at Center over Johnson are:
+ Experience
+ 2023 play was top-10 level
+ Signed with team in hopes to start & revive career
– Cut after an awful 2024 season
– 1 year, low-dollar contract
– New to the team & coaching staff
Lastly, Johnson’s pros and cons for starting at Center:
+ Youngest option
+ Former first-round selection
+ Athletic ability
+ Played with this offense for multiple years
– Never officially played Center
– Terrible communication skills would be emphasized at Center
– Last year on rookie contract, this move could be a desperation swap to save career
Question #3: What Is The Verdict For Zion Johnson At Center?
Now that the pros and cons of each competitor are laid out, the prediction for Zion Johnson becomes much clearer. If the former Chargers first-round selection can utilize his athletic tools and continuity with the offense to transition to Center, he has a real chance to become the starter.
However, if his poor communication skills (the major reason why Johnson has not panned out as planned) continue, and does not get better at the Center spot, all of the interior offensive line woes will continue and likely get even worse.
If he were to start at Center, then who would fill in the left guard spot? It would have to be filled by Bozeman, James, Trey Pipkins, or Jamaree Salyer, all of which have their own pros and cons.
Moving more pieces around the offensive line usually does not create a more sustainable solution for the offense, but if Harbaugh and Hortiz has a plan, then us as fans should trust the vision they have. Even if that means moving a former Chargers first-round pick to Center.
Main Image: Charles LeClaire – USA Today Sports
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