Ranking every Chargers starter on offense before the 2022 NFL Draft
By Chris Boline
10. RG Brenden Jaimes
A fifth-round selection for the Chargers back in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jaimes is currently penciled in as the starter at right guard for Los Angeles. With Odaby Aboushi’s availability currently up in the air, Jaimes has been given the nod as the man to step in on the right side of the offensive line.
His position, along with the right tackle spot, will certainly be a big area of concern for the Chargers this offseason. After appearing in only 11 games last season, it would appear that Jaimes has been given the green light to compete for the starting role this offseason.
That said, this position will be a training camp battle between Jaimes, any new draft picks that come in or a veteran free agent pick-up like a returning Aboushi, for example. A former Nebraska Cornhusker, Jaimes has shown he can play around high-level line talent in the Big Ten, but it remains to be seen if he can produce at a high level in the pros consistently.
Perhaps he turns some heads this offseason with his production, but it will be a tough battle to solidify the right side of the offensive line.
9. RT Storm Norton
Another player on this list with a one-year tender, Norton is the incumbent starter at the right tackle position. The former Toledo Rocket will be 28 by the season opener and has been a decent plug-and-play player for the Chargers the last two seasons.
After appearing in all 17 games last season and starting 15 contests, he has shown he can certainly play at a starting level at times. However, as noted in prior articles, Norton does need to shore up his consistency against elite pass rushers or the Chargers will have to commit more help to his side of the field to offset these deficiencies.
In what will most likely be a spot the Bolts address in the draft, right tackle and right guard are two big areas of concern for the offensive line. Nonetheless, having a player like Norton on the roster is great for depth and also for consistency along the line.
If nothing else, the Chargers know what they are getting out of Norton and this is why they offered him a one-year contract tender this offseason. A towering presence at six-foot-seven, the battle for the right tackle spot will certainly be one to watch as the offseason progresses and the Bolts get geared up for the season opener.