4. An update on the interior OL

Harbaugh provided an update Friday on the competition on the interior of the offensive line — an area of focus as the offseason rolls along.

With the team being able to do some drills on the field in Phase Two of the Offseason Program, Harbaugh said they have been able to get a rotation going at the center position.

Of course, both Harbaugh and General Manager Joe Hortiz said during the offseason that Zion Johnson, who has started at guard with the Bolts, would have a chance to compete for the starting center job alongside last year’s starter Bradley Bozeman and free-agent addition Andre James.

Johnson has been able to rotate in that spot so far, and it’s something the head coach says the team will do as of now.

“That’s the way we’re doing it right now,” Harbaugh said. “Bradley Bozeman, starting center, Zion starting guard then the next day we flip it to Zion starting center, Brad Bozeman is starting guard. That’s the way it’s been going.

“We’ll see how long that goes until,” Harbaugh added. “Long ways from having to set a starting lineup.”

As for how Johnson looks at a new position, Harbaugh had some praise for what the fourth-year player has been able to show.

He also added that whether it’s at guard or center, Johnson will be one of the best five once the season gets going.

“Those snaps are popping up,” Harbaugh said. “When it comes to technique, he’s at the top. Him, Rashawn, now Joe Alt is with those two at the top. When it comes to athleticism with Zion, he’s probably the most athletic lineman. As a run blocker, probably our best, probably our smartest.”

Harbaugh later added: “The versatility to be able to play guard or center, he’s going to be starting at one of those two positions. It just adds versatility to have him be a center as well. We’ll get our best five eventually, but I know he’s going to be one of them.”

Overall, Harbaugh feels as if though the team has gotten stronger along the offensive trenches, and it will be something they will look to build on as the offseason continues.

“Just a lot of good things there with the line,” Harbaugh said. “Trey Pipkins, he’s doing a really great job. Jamaree Salyer looks more svelte and he’s looking good. We’ll add to the mix this weekend.

“Overall feeling really positive, we got better,” Harbaugh added. “We’re a better team right now and we’ll come out of this weekend and see if we can build and get even better.”

5. The difference a year makes

The Chargers are in a much different spot as a team at this time of the year compared to last with Phase Two of the offseason program kicking off last Monday.

As opposed to going through installs with a completely new group like 2024 in Harbaugh’s first year, the team has a baseline this year that has made this phase of the offseason much smoother.

Harbaugh said the team has felt a lot more comfortable in the system now, even with new players in the mix, as they have been able to hit the ground running so far as a group.

“Just love the way guys are moving around,” Harbaugh said. “It looks really good. We picked up too, in a lot of ways, where we left off compared to last year when we were first starting and we were installing some systems.

“Defensively, it’s like we just played the Texans,” Harbaugh added. “That’s where we are system-wise. Now we’re there and building. Same with the offense.”

Having a full year of familiarity under the belt has been a major boost for the Bolts as they continue to build towards Year 2 under Harbaugh.

“It’s not back to ground zero,” Harbaugh said. “We’re building and adding in all phases.”