The Los Angeles Chargers have successfully accomplished one of their primary goals of the offseason— re-institute adequate depth across their offensive line.
They started by stripping back their starters, bringing in Tyler Biadasz to replace the retired Bradley Bozeman and adding Cole Strange to take over right guard duties. They then added Jake Slaughter and re-signed Trevor Penning to compete for the left guard spot. As it stands, though, they have 14 offensive linemen on the roster, and they will likely need to cut that down to nine or 10 by the time the season begins.
For depth pieces like Ben Cleveland or Kayode Awosika, this presents an uphill battle. But for the Chargers' pair of sixth-round selections, Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey, it presents something even more intriguing.
Drafted just four slots apart, Harkey and Taylor will likely be in direct competition for a roster spot at guard. As we move through OTAs and camp, this will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch.
As of now, though, Taylor should be the clear favorite.
Logan Taylor has a clear edge over Alex Harkey due to positional experience
Sixth-round offensive linemen don't historically succeed in the NFL at a tremendously impressive rate. But the Chargers have a clear talent identifier in Mike McDaniel, and they have the positional coach to get the most out of these prospects in Butch Barry. That doesn't mean that both of their selections will make the roster, though.
Harkey comes into the NFL having played almost all of his college snaps at right tackle. His mass and lack of lateral athleticism leave him slated for a move inside to guard. But according to Lance Zeirlein's scouting report for NFL.com, he'll need some serious work in terms of his patience and his consistent positioning at guard.
Taylor, meanwhile, spent his first two college seasons starting at tackle before making the transition inside at Boston College. Over his final two seasons, he played a total of 1,218 snaps between the two guard spots. Not only does he possess much of the same versatility that Harkey does, but he also has ample experience at guard and a more concrete skill-set. He also graded well athletically at the NFL Scouting Combine, which should appeal to McDaniel.
It's quite possible that Harkey has the higher ceiling as an athlete. But in terms of O-line depth, the Chargers need players who are ready to step in and contribute immediately if they're asked to.
Taylor, as of now, likely has the edge in any competition between him and Harkey as a result of that fact.
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