The Los Angeles Chargers are in an excellent position with the 17th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, making their prediction more fun than most. They addressed massive needs during free agency without the price-gouging other organizations faced. It at least appeared as though guys wanted to be in Los Angeles. What are the Bolts’ options at 17?
Los Angeles Chargers 2022 NFL Draft predictions
Needs are always important, but they’re less critical in the first round, especially when there aren’t many dire needs to address on the roster. Los Angeles can afford to be a bit “cute” with the 17th pick in the NFL Draft. A few different players outside of their significant needs could transform their respective sides of the ball.
Prediction 1: Jordan Davis, no matter what
While it’s unlikely after the NFL Combine, positional value could see Jordan Davis slip a bit in the NFL Draft. If he is somehow available when the Chargers pick, the selection should be quicker than it takes lightning to hit the ground.
Davis’ defensive impact at Georgia was measurable. The Bulldogs were significantly better on a per-play basis when he was on the field. He was always a phenomenal athlete for the position, but his mental game improved drastically from 2020 to 2021 and made him arguably the best player in the 2022 NFL Draft class.
The selection would also be two-fold. Davis doesn’t just fill a need at defensive tackle — he allows underwhelming linebackers to flow freely to the football and for Brandon Staley to add an extra defender to the coverage.
Prediction 2: Jameson Williams transforms the offense
All speed is not created equal. Jalen Guyton’s speed might be the same as Jameson Williams on paper, but it’s significantly different in practice. Williams is already a nuanced downfield threat with the potential to be a legitimate WR1 with a few years of seasoning. In Los Angeles, behind Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, he would be allowed to grow at a slower pace.
But Williams also instantly adds an element to the Chargers’ offense that Joe Lombardi couldn’t maximize in 2021. It’s much like the difference we’ll see in Kansas City without Tyreek Hill. Those broken plays that went for 60 yards because Hill is a freak and Mahomes has a howitzer are gone. But they could appear again in Los Angeles, albeit in a different package.
With an arm like Justin Herbert, ranking 22nd in explosive pass play rate is jarring. And as we’ve learned, explosive plays matter are highly correlated with scoring points.
Prediction 3: Drafting for the significant need
Much like last season, the Chargers’ one significant need is on the right side of the offensive line. The right tackle and right guard spots could use a massive upgrade. Maybe Trevor Penning will be there, and the Chargers can address right tackle with premium talent. However, if Penning isn’t there, no option makes sense at tackle.
Realistically, that means Los Angeles would be looking at either Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green as the pick. While it may be a reach for both compared to the other players on the board, it makes sense to go in this direction if protecting Herbert is the top goal. Green would also provide flexibility. His best tape is at guard, but he has experience everywhere on the offensive line and could be an option at right tackle.
Los Angeles Chargers 2022 NFL Draft needs
You won’t find defensive tackle on the list after the Chargers’ free agency period. That’s how much of a difference Davis could make. He must be the pick if he’s available, and he’s not even a position of dire need for the Chargers.
Guard and tackle are the two glaring needs. After that, a deep threat at wide receiver finds its way onto the list. EDGE follows that because the depth chart behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack is skinny. Linebacker is last on the pecking order, but it is undoubtedly needed. Kenneth Murray has struggled, and behind Drue Tranquill, the depth is nonexistent.
