Chargers draft Jordan McFadden in sixth round: The next Jamaree Salyer?

After taking TCU wide receiver in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chargers made another addition to the offense with their second pick on day three. With the 156th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected Clemson offensive lineman Jordan McFadden.

Offensive linemen might not be the most exciting draft picks, particularly on day three of the draft, but they can end up having a big impact on a team depending on what happens during the season. The Chargers needed offensive line depth as well, making this McFadden selection a no-brainer.

While it might seem just like a depth pick that won't ever matter, there is actually a big reason why fans should be excited about the Chargers taking Jordan McFadden in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Chargers draft Jordan McFadden to potentially be this year's Jamaree Salyer

The Chargers drafted Jamaree Salyer in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and it ended up being the best pick of the entire draft class. Salyer had to fill in at left tackle for Rashawn Slater after he tore his bicep and he ended up playing better than anyone could have expected.

Salyer earned his spot on the starting offensive line, which is actually looking like the best offensive line the Chargers have had in over a decade. Depth was still needed behind that starting group, though, and that is what McFadden adds.

Salyer was a college prospect who excelled on the best program in college football in Georgia. However, because of his size and arm length, Salyer was viewed as a tweener that would be forced to kick inside. That is what led to him falling down draft boards.

McFadden is very similar. He is someone who played tackle at a very respectable program but is viewed as a tweener because of some of his techniques and his size. McFadden is one inch shorter than Salyer, is a little bit lighter and has arms that are 3/8 inches longer.

So just like last year, the Chargers landed a talented offensive lineman who produced in college late in the draft because of some concerns about where he might play. There can be a lot of value in these selections, as Salyer reminded us last year.

McFadden is not guaranteed to be as good as Salyer and hopefully, he doesn't have to come in and start at left tackle in Week 3. But as a depth option and potential swing tackle, McFadden is someone to be very excited about.