The Los Angeles Chargers are leaning into their 4.99-40 running, 303-pound offensive lineman doing as many chaotic things in training camp as possible.
Jordan McFadden, the team's fifth-round pick last year, played a bit of fullback last season under former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Not only does new offensive coordinator Greg Roman look to be continuing that, but he is ramping up even more responsibilities for the big man.
According to The Athletic's Daniel Popper, McFadden caught a pass from backup quarterback Casey Bauman after leaking out to the flat on play action.
McFadden has been working on his hands and movement skills every day in practice. The decision to put him in a fullback-like role is very similar to what the Baltimore Ravens did with Patrick Ricard. Ricard, a former defensive tackle, caught 36 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns under Roman. McFadden is unlikely to be playing the 498 snaps-per-season average Ricard did from 2019-2022, but he still looks positioned to be very involved as a blocker, fullback, and yes, pass catcher.
Lining up an extra lineman who could block, motion, or catch a pass is a creative way to strain defensive responsibilities. The Chargers were 14th in red zone touchdown rate last season, roughly 10 percent below the league-leading San Francisco 49ers. Let's see if Roman has a few tricks up his sleeve this year that would allow McFadden to help boost their scoring efficiency.
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