We're less than three weeks from the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Chargers currently hold the No. 22 overall pick and could go a handful of different routes in Round 1.

This is the first of a four-part series looking at potential options the Chargers have in the first round, beginning with a focus on possible offensive linemen.

Why offensive line makes sense?

The Chargers are set at tackle with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, both of whom were first-round picks in recent years.

Alt was the No. 5 overall selection a year ago, the first draft pick under Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh.

But the interior of the Bolts offensive line is a little more murky, even after the Chargers signed Mekhi Becton in free agency.

Harbaugh said last week that he expects Becton to remain at right guard, a spot he thrived at in 2024 while helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl.

Hortiz and Harbaugh both said this offseason that Zion Johnson, another former first-rounder, will get reps at center after playing both guard spots in recent years.

The Chargers also have Trey Pipkins III and Jamaree Salyer on the roster, brought back Bradley Bozeman and signed Andre James in free agency.

Harbaugh said at the 2025 Annual League Meeting that he loved the flexibility and versatility of that group on the interior, but perhaps the Chargers use the No. 22 pick to find a potential long-term option at either guard or center.

Who could be the pick?

While the 2025 interior draft class is solid, there isn't a surefire top talent among the group.

And draft experts appear split on where the prospects fit in their rankings.

Alabama's Tyler Booker is ranked No. 18 overall by Dane Brugler of The Athletic and is 20th overall from ESPN's Jordan Reid.

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Booker at No. 23 overall but Pro Football Focus ranked Booker at No. 48.

Booker is listed at 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds and was a team captain at Alabama in 2024. He earned Second-Team Associated Press All-American honors and was also a First-Team All-SEC selection. All 2,007 of Booker college snaps came at guard.

Brugler wrote of Booker:

He is built like a bull, with the play strength and finishing mentality to match, although his average foot quickness might not be ideal for every scheme. Booker is a plug-and-play guard and should be a longtime pro.

Grey Zabel of North Dakota State is generally viewed as a prospect who could go in the back half of Round 1.

ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. has Zabel as his No. 17 overall player while Jeremiah (No. 24), PFF (No. 29) and Reid (No. 29) all have him in the same range. Brugler tabbed Zabel as his No. 38 overall prospect.

Zabel offers immense versatility as he played four positions across the offensive line — left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle — in college.

A consensus First-Team All-American in 2024, Zabel only played left tackle this past season and earned First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference accolades.

Zabel, who is 6-5 and 316 pounds, then took reps at center at the Reese's Senior Bowl and thrived in front of all 32 NFL teams.

Kiper said of Zabel:

I see Zabel as an "offensive line prospect" because he plays everywhere on the line. He started at left tackle, right tackle, left guard and right guard in college, and he worked out as a center at the Senior Bowl. Zabel plays with leverage, and his footwork and overall technique are impressive. He can drive defenders off the ball with his power, but he also does a nice job getting to the second level with his quickness.

Kelvin Banks, Jr. of Texas could be another name to watch. He only played left tackle in college but multiple draft experts said he could potentially slide inside to guard in the NFL.

Banks is Reid's No. 17 overall player. PFF ranked him 20th overall while Brugler (No. 22) and Jeremiah (No. 29) also view him as a Top 30 prospect.

Banks, who is 6-4 and 325 pounds, played 2,774 total snaps at Texas, all of which came at left tackle.

Brugler said "teams are split on his best position, between tackle and guard" and added:

With his well-timed feet and handwork, Banks is a natural in pass protection. He also shows an instinctive feel for his biomechanics, which allows him to attack with leverage, bend and create force.

How would this impact 2025 and beyond?

Hortiz and Harbaugh have made it clear that they are always going to prioritize the offensive line under their watch.

Remember what Harbaugh said a year ago after the Chargers drafted Alt?

"Offensive linemen, we look at as weapons," Harbaugh said. "That group, when we talk about attacking on offense, the offensive line is the tip of the spear."

So, yeah, it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Bolts take another offensive lineman at No. 22 overall.

Will they? That remains to be seen.

But another first-round lineman would give the Chargers another key piece to pair with Slater and Alt for the long term, although the former is due for a potential contract extension.

Any of the above three players — Booker, Zabel or Banks — would presumably give the Bolts an answer at left guard, a position they could compete for right away.