Joe Hortiz: Zion Johnson possible option at center in 2025

Following his media availability at the NFL Combine, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz told reporters that Zion Johnson has been getting reps at center and could be an option there for the 2025 season.

Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz met with reporters for roughly 30 minutes during his media availability at the NFL Combine. While he spoke on a couple different topics (we’ll get to those in a second), the biggest nugget of information actually came following his time on the podium.

According to Chargers team reporter Eric Smith, Hortiz paused for a short media scrum after stepping down where he touched on the offensive line room and how that group could shake out for the 2025 season. Hortiz noted that former first-round pick and current left guard Zion Johnson has been getting reps in at center this offseason and could realistically be an option there next season.

For those who have not watched Johnson since his pre-draft process, the Boston College alumni worked a bit post-practice for interested teams who wanted to see him snap. A number of clubs thought he had the skills to switch to center at the next level so it should come as no surprise that Hortiz is also aware of his potential.

Of course, 2024 starter at center Bradley Bozeman is set to be a free agent this offseason which means the Chargers will have make a decision at some point on how they want to fix the interior of the line. Depending on both the draft and free agent class, Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh may both be more comfortable drafting a new guard and moving Johnson to center as opposed to hoping to find a new, impactful center from either group of available players.

Lastly, here’s a quick rundown of the other topics Hortiz touched on while at the podium:

• Hortiz noted that he believes the running back class is one of the deepest positions in this year’s draft. The Chargers have often been paired with a running back in a number of first-round mock drafts, with names like Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton being paired with the Bolts from time to time. Even if J.K. Dobbins returns in free agency, the Chargers may still want to further solidify that position with another talented runner.
• When asked about the offensive line and whether he believes that group is solidified with three former first-round picks, Hortiz said he doesn’t believe any position is solidified on the Chargers outside of quarterback so he is not shutting down the idea that the Bolts could pick another lineman in this year’s draft.