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Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Lineman Named Starter on Offense

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Matlock Chargers

You read the title correctly. The Los Angeles Chargers have just released their first unofficial depth chart after roster cutdown day. With plenty of surprises coming out of who stayed and who left, it was expected to be quite normal after cuts.

The Chargers expected starting groups were already pretty set in stone. However, this Chargers second-year defensive lineman has earned a starting spot on the offense. Weird… right?

Matlock Has History On Offense – His 2023 Draft Profile

The Los Angeles Chargers had its final draft under Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley in 2023. One of their final selections was Scott Matlock, a sixth-round selection out of Boise State. The 6’4 defensive lineman was drafted purely on potential, as his RAS score as an IDL was 9.65. His athletic potential, immense effort, and football IQ he showed while on the field were a combination that any coaching staff would like to get their hands on.

During his college career, in addition to playing interior defensive line, he also played as a jumbo tight end, recording two catches for two touchdowns. 100% efficiency is pretty good. Beyond his receiving ability, he recorded 15 run-blocking snaps, averaging a 53.4 run-block grade. After his five-year career at Boise State, he was ready to perform with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Scott Matlock’s Up-and-Down Rookie Season

As a sixth-round selection, his expectations weren’t that high. He does have all the potential in the world, however, he was taken in the sixth for a reason. There were holes in his game that needed to be cleaned up, and Brandon Staley was not the guy known for developing defensive talent as a head coach.

With the stage set, the new Chargers defensive lineman played 266 defensive snaps and recorded an abysmal 36.8 defensive PFF grade. Though his grade was poor, there were flashes on his film that showed he is capable of playing at this level. A rookie sixth-round pick who found playing time on a bad team, and showed flashes while he was at it. It could be a lot worse.

What 2024 Has Looked Like For Scott Matlock – Before The Position Switch

Now in 2024, Scott Matlock is poised for a big season. Even before the announcement that he was now a player playing both ways for this Chargers team. The new coaching staff and front office, led by Jim Harbaugh, have given plenty of praise to Matlock and his play.

Harbaugh had a lengthy press conference in which he took time to show his praise towards the now second-year player: “He’s just all about his business, all about the work, all about the team,” Harbaugh said about Matlock during his media availability last Thursday.” A lot of what he does, like a lot of leaders, it’s not about what they say, it’s about what they do. What you do speaks so loudly that you can’t even hear what you’re saying.”

With support from the front office and a strong offseason program, it really seemed like the Boise State Alumni was ready for a strong role across the defensive line. During the preseason, he had 103 defensive snaps and increased his PFF defensive grade to a much better 57.6.

Why and How Did Scott Matlock Earn The Starting Fullback Job?

Now that we know his role across the Chargers defensive line will be likely a rotational one, and one that he has long worked to achieve. He has now opened the door to the offensive side of the ball. There was always talk about Matlock becoming the Chargers starting fullback since the hiring of former Ravens offensive coordinator, Greg Roman.

Greg Roman developed Patrick Ricard into what he is today. An interior defensive lineman who is also a pro-bowl-caliber fullback who paved the way for the Ravens dominant ground game.

Roman’s next project at first seemed to be Matlock’s draft mate, Jordan McFadden. The Chargers fifth-round selection in 2023. The interior offensive lineman even played some fullback in his rookie season under a different coordinator. With snaps at fullback under his belt and time spent at the position early in the off-season, it seemed McFadden’s role with ease. Matlock seemed like someone they could rely upon on special packages and as a “emergency” type of player.

Things change very fast in the NFL, and with the unofficial depth chart releasing the information that Matlock is the starting fullback along with his number change to 44, it is a full-tell that he truly is the fullback of the future. This was earned from Matlock’s constant presence in the locker room, former offensive ability, and athletic traits. All things that Ricard had when he became the league’s best interior defensive lineman/fullback player.

Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The post Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Lineman Named Starter on Offense appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.