The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his new two-round mock draft on Tuesday.
Let’s break down what one of the highly touted draft analysts thinks for Los Angeles in the 2022 NFL draft right before the pre-draft all-star circuit.
Round 1, OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
The Chargers made the point to address the offensive line last offseason, and it paid dividends except for the right tackle position after Bryan Bulaga went down with an injury.
Even though Bulaga is still under contract, there are legitimate durability concerns, giving reason to believe he is a cut candidate.
If Los Angeles decides to move on from Bulaga, it could choose to solidify that spot either in free agency or early in the draft, as they do here with the selection of Penning.
A three-year starter for the Panthers, Penning was the only lineman named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award this past season, awarded to the best offensive player at the FCS level, after only allowing 13 pressures.
While he needs to clean up his leverage and hand usage, Penning has size, awe-inspiring athleticism, movement skills to match, and consistent physicality in the run game to start right away.
Round 2, DT Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
Mathis was in my recent mock draft at the same spot, and he finds himself again here in Brugler’s.
Arguably one of the most impactful all-around interior defenders in the nation, Mathis amassed 53 total tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked passes.
With his length, violent hands, lower-body strength, lateral agility, and ability to anchor, Mathis can create interior pressure just as well as he can defend the run at the next level.