NFL Rumors: ‘No Secret’ Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh ‘Wants to Invest in the Trenches’

Doric SamMarch 5, 2024

Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Chargers have long been a team predicated on a flashy offense, but the team’s philosophy is set to change under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

In his latest mock draft, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projected the Chargers to trade back from the No. 5 pick to the No. 9 pick to select offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga out of Oregon State.

In explaining the prediction, Brugler wrote, “It is no secret that Harbaugh wants to invest in the trenches so his rushing attack can be the backbone of the offense.” During his time at Michigan, he built a gritty program that relied on a hard-nosed run game and a stingy defense.

The Chargers ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing last season with 96.9 yards per game. Conversely, the team’s passing offense ranked 13th with 232.8 yards per game.

Fuaga is a versatile offensive lineman who can play both guard and tackle. In the latest draft big board, B/R’s NFL Scouting Department ranks him as the No. 5 interior lineman in this year’s class.

Brugler described Fuaga as “an ass-kicker in the run game and a natural right tackle, making him a perfect complement for All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater.”

The Chargers are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 5-12 campaign, so adding a blue-chip offensive lineman would be a step in the right direction.