The Chargers added some more depth to the offensive line on Wednesday, re-signing backup offensive lineman Chris Hairston to a two-year deal.
Hairston’s greatest asset is his versatility. He played every position except for center last season, including nine starts at left tackle and one each at both guard positions. For now, he projects as the top backup tackle behind King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale and the top backup guard behind Orlando Franklin and D.J. Fluker.
It must be noted, though, that Hairston only played so much because of the crazy number of injuries that plagued the offensive line. Pro Football Focus gave Hairston an overall grade of 36.2 for last season, less than half of Barksdale’s grade (79.3).
Nonetheless, Hairston brings a grittiness and toughness the Chargers need. He battled through ankle and knee injuries to appear in all 16 games last season, playing a career-high 820 snaps. He played more than two-thirds of San Diego’s offensive snaps, according to Football Outsiders.
Flash back to Rivers at a Week 6 post game press conference, and you’ll see why Chris Hairston is sticking around.https://t.co/N6NVN25ioW
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) March 16, 2016
Bringing back Hairston gives the Chargers options.
In our last mock draft, we had the Chargers reaching for Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley at No. 3, primarily because the situation at offensive tackle was so dire. Since that time, the team has re-signed Barksdale and Hairston. That gives Tom Telesco the option to go for either DE DeForest Buckner or CB/S Jalen Ramsey at No. 3 and address the tackle position later in the draft.
Keep a close eye on offensive tackles Jason Spriggs (Indiana), Willie Beavers (Western Michigan) and Spencer Drango (Baylor) in between Rounds 2-4.
