For the Los Angeles Charger, the focus on bolstering the interior of the offensive line could not be more pressing. To some, the signing of Tyler Biadasz to a three year, 30 million dollar deal is nice, but not a franchise altering move. Still, questions remain at the guard positions, specifically on the left hand side with the departure of Zion Johnson looming large.
However, according to Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano, a player that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is all too familiar with could be the key to unlocking the O-line's success.
Aaron Brewer is an intriguing, but unrealistic, Chargers target
While Aaron Brewer started every game for the Dolphins as a center last year, garnering several impressive accolades, his time under McDaniel allowed him to discover his positionless versatility. Due to the Biadasz signing, Brewer may have to move to the left, but he would not mind considering his growth as an O-lineman.
For one, Brewer's abilities as a run blocker can really boost what McDaniel does well offensively and most importantly, gives the Chargers an instant identity offensively. Brewer does not lack in the pass pro department either, posting a 71.2 pass blocking grade. For a QB like Justin Berbert, that would be music to his ears.
Still, the one thing inhibiting a potential move is the fact that Tyler Biadasz is alread on board and the Chargers have had a history of wishing to maintain draft capital. While Brewer certainly has everything the Chargers would want in a center, it may not be the most financially responsible move despite their ample cap space.
Besides, several mock drafts have the Chargers addressing their need for a guard in the draft, perhaps through Penn State's Vega Ioane. Ioane also is an established guard coming out of the collegiate ranks, rather than Brewer, who has mainly thrived at center.
Vacchiano writes that a move however, could certainly address the need along the O-line at a costly price: "Brewer would be an upgrade, though the Dolphins surely would want a high pick since they’d prefer to keep him around,", he noted of the potential for a trade.
At the end of the day, it could end up being a shot in the dark for a player who, for all intents and purposes, is on a team that needs too much for the Chargers to spring into action. While some people were hasty to chastise the Biadasz addition, especially since it came before the free agency window even opened, it shows the Chargers' clear intent: to bolster the O-line without breaking the bank.
Brewer is certainly a tempting player who would be wholly comfortable in the Chargers' system. Still, the Chargers must weigh the difference between a potential game changer on the offensive side of the ball over a surplus good.