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Although the Chargers' UDFA class has a couple interesting IOL's in Willis Patrick, Bucky Williams, and Karsen Barnhart, the center position was neglected in the draft once again.
The Chargers have backfilled Corey Linsley's assumed departure with Bradley Bozeman, who played guard and center for the Ravens from 2018-2021. Greg Roman was likely behind the signing, as he was Bozeman's offensive coordinator from 2019-2021. Bozeman's first three seasons were primarily played at left guard, until he was plugged in at center in 2021. He boasted career-high PFF scores that season, headlined by a 98.2% Pass Blacking Efficiency (PBE) score.
Bozeman's two years with the Carolina Panthers weren't nearly as successful. He posted his lowest PFF score as a starter and allowed eight sacks in 2018 - double his previous season high. The Bolts are gambling on Bozeman returning to form under a system he's very familiar with, but as he's only on a one-year deal, Joe Hortiz would be wise to consider signing another player with guard/center flex that's still available in free agency.
Connor Williams was the Cowboys' "other" lineman in a group headlined by Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, and La'el Collins. He initially bounced between left and right guard in his first season before settling into a starting role on the left side. As the clear fifth man on their line, Williams' market was less than you'd expect when he hit free agency in 2021, signing a relatively modest two-year, $14,035,000 deal with the Miami Dolphins. He moved to center and was a key component to the offensive turnaround around Mike McDaniel.
Williams has averaged a PBE rating of 98.6 over his last three years. Before tearing his ACL in December of 2023, he was having a career year for the Dolphins, boasting a 98.7 PBE rating and earning a 90.5 Run Block Grade per PFF. He was on a clear trajectory to being the top free agent center in the 2024 offseason, but now is unlikely to sign with a team until he's able to pass a physical.
Williams could be a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Chargers, even if he's not fully healthy to start the season. The team has a capable starting offensive line to begin the season, giving Williams time to remain on the PUP until his knee is ready for game speed. Having played LG, C, and RG in his career, he could plug in wherever there was an injury across the interior, or replace Bozeman or Jamaree Salyer if they have similar struggles to their 2023 seasons.
The best wrinkle in this plan is it allows Joe Hortiz to get a head start on signing the top free agent center in 2025 without negatively affecting the compensatory formula.
What do you think, Chargers fans? Sound off in the comments below!
Absolutely essential to get center/ right guard back up before start of the season. Given Williams' need to pass a physical, would you recommend a move for any other ready to play options like Mason Cole?
Great question! I heard a lot of negativity about Cole declining with the Steelers - so he wouldn't be my first choice, but I'll admit I haven't dug into his tape. Part of the allure in Connor Williams is he could be a top-5 center in the league, and is going into his age-27 season.
I would dig Dalton Risner as another guy added as a depth piece that could push Salyer for a starting role, or if Trey gets traded bumps Salyer to swing tackle. I'd love signing both Williams and Risner to be honest.
Mason Cole was really bad in the middle for the Steelers. They were desperate in the draft to get a new center and they did in the 2nd round (Zach Frazier). I would rather go after Williams and give him time to recover than Mason Cole. It is a long long season and even if Williams isn't ready until October/November I would support that move.
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