Category: Chargers NFL Draft

Chargers mock draft roundup: Who analysts are projecting 2 weeks out

With the 2022 NFL draft less than two weeks away, mock drafts flood the web. Find out who’s being projected to the Chargers.

The NFL draft is less than two weeks away, and there still isn’t a great consensus on how the draft will go.

The Chargers will select No. 17 overall. In terms of needs, it seems like offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and wide receiver are at the top of the list. Although, you never know when general manager Tom Telesco is running the show.

Here’s who the experts have Los Angeles selecting with its first-round pick.

NFL Media’s Adam Rank: Alabama WR Jameson Williams

“So glad you kept Mike Williams. He’s awesome. You know I love Keenan Allen as well. I will say this: You can never have too many weapons to put around Justin Herbert. Jameson Williams is a stud and could have been the first receiver off the board if not for his injury. But you get value here at No. 17, and he can be ready for you during the playoff push. Don’t worry, you’ll make the playoffs this year. ”

Pro Football Focus’ Seth Galina: Georgia DT Devonte Wyatt

“With Joseph-Day in the fold, the Chargers take Devonte Wyatt, most likely the top three-technique interior defender in the draft. Joseph-Day played just under 50% of his snaps as a nose tackle in Chargers head coach Brandon Staley’s 2020 Los Angeles Rams defense. Wyatt would then fit slightly better at this pick than his Georgia teammate Jordan Davis, who played more nose tackle as a Bulldog. To be clear, both are good fits and both lined up across the interior of the defensive line in college, but the addition of Joseph-Day may indicate that the team is looking for more of a three-technique instead.”

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning

“The Chargers drafted a foundational piece on offense last year with Rashawn Slater at left tackle. They might be able to do it again at right tackle with Penning, who will compete for the starting job from day one and could also provide depth at guard if needed.”

The Ringer’s Danny Kelley: Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning

“The Chargers found themselves a long-term left tackle in Rashawn Slater last year but they still need more talent on their offensive line. Penning has the athletic skill set to play at the right tackle spot for L.A. and should help solidify Justin Herbert’s pass-protecting unit.”

Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre: Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning

“I wonder if Justin Herbert is having flashbacks to his right tackle, Storm Norton, getting abused in the Week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders? Norton gave up 11 pressures and eight hurries. He also gave up nine pressures vs. Dallas and eight to the Patriots (both losses). It’ll be a major upset if the Chargers don’t take a tackle.”

Establish The Run’s Evan Silva: Ohio State WR Chris Olave

“The Bolts need a true vertical receiver to capitalize on Justin Herbert’s downfield arm; Herbert ranked an inexcusable 18th in average depth of target (7.6 yards) among 33 qualified QBs last year. Olave’s game has limitations — he’s a long-speed (4.39) finesse receiver ticketed almost strictly for the perimeter — but Olave would perfectly complement big-bodied Mike Williams and aging slot man Keenan Allen.”

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards: Ohio State WR Chris Olave

“Cincinnati saw how beneficial three wide receiver sets were for Joe Burrow, so adding a player the caliber of Chris Olave gives them the chance to spread coverage thin. Justin Herbert should be able to put up career numbers with this offensive structure.”

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso: Boston College OL Zion Johnson

“The Chargers can better protect Justin Herbert, and with Johnson staring them in the face they make him their pick to be plugged in at right guard instantly.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.: Georgia NT Jordan Davis

“The Chargers need a right tackle, but with Trevor Penning off the board, I don’t feel great about the value here. In fact, my next tackle in this mock doesn’t go off the board until No. 42. Let’s move instead to another need for L.A. and fill it with Davis, who at 6-foot-6 and 341 pounds is used to being a hole-filler. He has unique physical tools for his size, and he makes everyone around him better because of the space he eats. This is how Brandon Staley’s defense can level up in 2022.”

Chargers set to meet with Southern OL Ja’Tyre Carter

The Chargers are interested in an offensive lineman who projects as a multi-positional backup.

The Chargers still have starting spots at right tackle and right guard to fill, but getting quality depth pieces behind them is still imperative.

Los Angeles could be looking at former Southern offensive tackle Ja’Tyre Carter to be one of those guys, as he’s expected to meet with the team virtually, according to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo.

Carter made 37 starts for Jaguars, with all of them coming at left tackle. 2021 marked his most impressive season, as he allowed zero sacks across 11 games. He went on to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

At 6-foot-3 and 311 pounds, Carter recently had an eye-popping Pro Day, having posted a 34.5-inch vertical, a 9-foot-3 broad jump, and a 5.02-second 40-yard dash.

Carter, a former basketball player, possesses the footwork, hands and power to hold his own in pass protection and in the run game. However, he is a candidate to be moved inside due to his shorter frame.

Nonetheless, Carter would supply a multi-positional backup for the Bolts.

He currently projects as a Round 5 or 6 selection.

Chargers had pre-draft meeting with Stanford DT Thomas Booker

The Chargers met with an experienced and versatile defensive tackle prospect.

The Chargers will be looking to the draft to shore up the interior part of their defensive line.

According to The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler, Los Angeles has had a pre-draft meeting with former Stanford defensive tackle Thomas Booker.

Booker tallied 159 total tackles (89 solo), 20.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, eight passes defended, a forced fumble, and an interception in four seasons with the Cardinals.

At 6-foot-3 and 301 pounds, Booker wins with initial quickness off the snap to penetrate gaps and strength in his upper half and active hands to control blockers to reset the line of scrimmage.

Booker lined up at various spots on Stanford’s defensive line, from nose tackle to five-technique.

Booker is capable of carving out a productive rotational role at the next level.

He projects as a Round 3 or 4 selection.

An offensive tackle for Chargers in each round of 2022 NFL draft

Laying out an offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers in each round of this year’s draft.

The Chargers have a few positions that need to be addressed in the upcoming draft, but offensive tackle sits near the top.

Luckily, this year’s crop has starting-caliber talent from the first day of the draft until Day 3.

With that being said, here’s a tackle from each round that could fit in Los Angeles:

Round 1, Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

Mississippi State’s Charles Cross would be the guy slotted here, but I am trying to also keep this as realistic as possible with players that will still be on the board when the Chargers are on the clock, and I believe that Cross will likely be gone within the first 15 selections.

Penning checks off on the measurables, hovering at 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds with arms longer than 34 inches. Along with that, he possesses the athleticism, having run an elite 40 yard dash time of 4.89 seconds and 7.25 seconds in the three-cone drill.

On the field, while he needs to clean up his leverage and hand usage to avoid penalties in the NFL, Penning has the size, movement skills to match, and a nasty temperament in the run game to start opposite Rashawn Slater right off the bat.

Round 3, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State

Petit-Frere made 19 career starts with the Buckeyes, with seven coming at right tackle in 2020 and 12 at left tackle in 2021. During his college career, he allowed 36 pressures and three sacks while earning PFF run-blocking grades of 72.7 and 84.3 in his final two years.

At 6-foot-5 and 316 pounds with 33 5/8-inch arms, Petit-Frere looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle, and he plays with athleticism, flexibility and lower body explosion, controlling rushers in pass protection and moving bodies in the run game, but he will need to develop his anchor.

Round 4, Max Mitchell, Louisiana

Mitchell led all FBS tackles with a 94.8 PFF grade, as he allowed only 13 pressures and three sacks last season while racking up the third-most big-time run blocks. In addition, he never committed a penalty or missed an offensive snap.

While he did not test very well at the Combine and will need to continue to get stronger, Mitchell is a tough-minded tackle, with the positioning and foot quickness to mirror and match, great hand techniques to keep rushers at bay, and run-blocking consistency at the first and second levels.

Round 5, Braxton Jones, Southern Utah

Jones started 30 games, primarily at left tackle en route to earning First-Team All-American in his final two seasons.

He has outstanding size and length at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds with 35 3/8″ arms coupled with above-average athleticism, as evident with a 4.97 40 time and 4.84 short shuttle.

Jones will need to continue to get stronger, but he has solid foundation traits, with flexibility, footwork, and hand placement to be effective as a tackle at the next level.

Round 6, Zachary Thomas, San Diego State

Thomas was a three-year starter for the Aztecs at left and right tackle. At his best as a run-blocker, Thomas had a 90.1 grade on that front in 2020, fourth-best among FBS tackles, and an 89.6 grade in 2021.

Thomas shows functional athleticism, quality strength/leverage, comfortability as a reach and second-level blocker, and a high level of intelligence as far as picking up stunts/blitzes goes. Further, he has the potential to play some guard at the next level.

Round 7, Jean Delance, Florida

Delance possesses the ideal measurables and resume for an NFL offensive lineman at 6-foot-5 and 303 pounds with over 36-inch arms coupled with 37 SEC starts under his belt, playing both tackle and guard.

Delance was a key member of Gator’s starting five, keeping rushers at bay with his athleticism and vine-like arms, all while paving the way in the run game, as they ranked No. 4 in the SEC in rushing offense in 2021.

Report: Chargers hosting pair of prospects for top-30 visits

The Chargers are bringing in a defensive tackle and safety for top-30 visits ahead of the 2022 NFL draft.

The Chargers are set to host Missouri State defensive tackle Eric Johnson and Virginia safety Joey Blount for top-30 visits, according to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo and The Athletic’s Greg Auman.

In addition, Los Angeles already brought in Florida offensive tackle Jean Delance for a visit, per Guilty As Charged’s Maddie Schmidt.

NFL teams can host up to 30 prospects at their facilities prior to the draft, where they are taken through final interviews, meetings, and physicals.

Johnson posted 43 tackles (19 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, five quarterback hits, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, three pass breakups, and three blocked field goal kicks during 12 starts in 2021.

Johnson participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, where his dominant performance raised the eyebrows of evaluators to the point where he was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

There, the 6-foot-4 and 299 pounder with 34 1/4-inch arms stood out, winning with his length, power in his punch and explosiveness off the snap.

Blount finished his collegiate career with 306 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 9 interceptions. He had 87 tackles and 3 interceptions in his final season.

At his Pro Day, the playmaking safety ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times, and amassed a 38-inch vertical leap and 10’7″ broad jump.

Delance possesses the ideal measurables and resume for an NFL offensive lineman at 6-foot-5 and 303 pounds with over 36-inch arms coupled with 37 SEC starts under his belt, playing both tackle and guard.

Delance was a key member of Gator’s starting five, keeping rushers at bay with his athleticism and vine-like arms, all while paving the way in the run game, as they ranked No. 4 in the SEC in rushing offense in 2021.

No. 17 picks in the NFL draft in past decade

With the Chargers currently holding the 17th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, check out the last ten players selected at that spot.

With the Chargers picking 17th overall in the 2022 NFL draft, here is a look at the past 10 years of No. 17 selections.

7-round mock draft for Chargers after free agency

The Los Angeles Chargers address all of their needs in this latest mock draft.

The Chargers are set with nine picks in next month’s draft.

Some bargain free-agent moves could still take place before the draft starts on April 28, but for the most part, the current roster shows what areas they should be targeting.

As we are now officially four weeks away from the highly-anticipated event, here is a look at what Los Angeles could do with each of their selections.

Chargers’ updated draft order following compensatory picks

Here’s an updated selection order for the Chargers in the 2022 NFL draft.

The NFL awarded compensatory picks for teams based on their free-agent losses last offseason, and the Chargers gained four additional for the 2022 NFL draft.

They received a sixth-round pick and three seventh-round picks, which gives Los Angeles a total of 10 selections. Initially, the team was slated to have 11, but they traded their second-rounder to the Bears to acquire Khalil Mack.

Here’s an updated draft order for the Chargers in this year’s draft:

  • Round 1, No. 17
  • Round 3, No. 79
  • Round 4, No. 123
  • Round 5, No. 160
  • Round 6, No. 195
  • Round 6, No. 215
  • Round 7, No. 237
  • Round 7, No. 255
  • Round 7, No. 256
  • Round 7, No. 261

7 Chargers targets who stood out on Days 2 and 3 of 2022 NFL Scouting Combine

Highlighting a few players on Days 2 and 3 of the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine who should have caught the attention of the Chargers.

We are approaching the final day of the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, where the defensive backs will take the field.

Before we look towards that, I want to rewind to the past two days to highlight a few prospects who stood out that could be on the Chargers’ radar.

Let’s take a look at seven in particular.

RB Pierre Strong, South Dakota State

I know Chargers fans won’t be thrilled with the idea of taking a running back after the Larry Rountree and Joshua Kelley, who were taken the past two years, have not panned out. However, with eight picks on Day 3, they might add yet another back, and Strong would make sense. At 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, Strong recorded the fastest 40 time of the day at 4.37. His explosiveness also stood out, as he posted a 36-inch vertical jump. On the field, Strong was shifty with foot quickness and showed solid burst in the open field. Overall, he has the vision, speed, and pass-catching ability to crack into the No. 2 role potentially.

OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

The Chargers will likely be in the market for a right tackle, as Bryan Bulaga is a potential cap casualty and the last game of the season against the Raiders, where Justin Herbert was under constant duress, showed that Storm Norton is not the long-term answer. Therefore, they could resolve this with a cheap free agent signing and a Day 2 pick, like Penning. We knew Penning was a mauler with a nasty mean streak from his showing at the Senior Bowl. But he also showed the athleticism Los Angeles is looking for. At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, Penning notched a 4.89 40 and 7.25 three-cone. Further, he was silky smooth in the drills, showing the ability to mirror and pull out into space.

OT Abraham Lucas, Washington State

Lucas started 42 games for the Cougars and did not allow a single sack this past season. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Lucas posted elite times on the 40-yard dash (4.92), 3-cone (7.25) and 20-yard shuttle (4.40). On the field, Lucas was agile and fluid in his kick-slide and redirect ability and showed nice pop in his hands with the bag.

DL Jordan Davis, Georgia

Davis and the Chargers has been the perfect marriage to many media members and fans up to this point, given their desperate need to fix the run defense. However, there’s now a possibility that might not even come to fruition after Davis made himself a lot of money with his eye-popping performance. Coming in at 6-foot-6 and 341 pounds, Davis ran an eyebrow-raising 4.78 40 and 1.68 10-yard split. Let me repeat that. A 4.78 40-yard dash and 1.68 10-yard split at 341 pounds is believed to be one of the fastest times for a player that size in the event’s history. Moments later, Davis posted a broad jump of 10-foot-3.

DL Travis Jones, UConn

Now, if either Davis is not available at No. 17 or the Chargers just choose to go with a different player altogether there, Jones could be just as good, if not, better value in the second round. Jones finished with a 4.92 40 and a 1.76 10-yard split at 326 pounds. Further, he looked smooth in the positional drills, especially in the Figure 8.

EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan

I felt like there was a decent chance that Ojabo would be on the board when the Chargers pick in the first round, but that may be a pipedream after Saturday. Nonetheless, Ojabo’s explosiveness was on display, as he posted 4.55 40, 35-inch vertical, 10-foot-2 broad jump, and 4.45 shuttle. While he only has a one-year sample size and he needs to further refine his game against the run, Ojabo has the traits that you’re willing to bet on to become a premier player at the next level.

EDGE Amare Barno, Virginia Tech

In a loaded edge defender class, Barno flew under the radar. But that’s no longer the case after testing. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds with 34-inch arms, the ideal measurements of a player that Brandon Staley covets at the position, Barno posted some freakish numbers of a 4.36 40, 1.54 10-yard split, 37-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump. While still a bit of a project, Barno has the athletic traits that could see him become a good defender in the NFL eventually.

Michigan EDGE David Ojabo would love to play with Chargers’ Joey Bosa

The Chargers could look to add a high-level pass rusher in this year’s draft.

The Chargers will be looking to solidify the edge defender position this offseason.

With Uchenna Nwosu and Kyler Fackrell pending free agents, Joey Bosa and Chris Rumph II are the only two currently on the roster.

While Nwosu has earned a contract extension with the team, and the chances of him returning are relatively high, this is a league where you can’t have too many pass rushers.

Further, Los Angeles ranked 19th in pressure rate overall, and on third-and-longs, they ranked 25th in pressure rate, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Should the Bolts choose to address the position in the draft, Michigan’s David Ojabo could be a target.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ojabo said that he met with the Chargers, adding high praise for Bosa. “Joey Bosa is a great player, so I would love to be surrounded by greatness.”

Wreaking havoc opposite the potential No. 1 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson, Ojabo posted 11 sacks and five forced fumbles in his final season for the Wolverines.

While he needs to get stronger to consistently hold up against the run, Ojabo is long and flexible with explosiveness off the snap, lateral agility, and closing burst to get after the quarterback at a high level.

Now set to test in various drills on Saturday, look for Ojabo to show off his elite athleticism. Per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, he is expected to run the 40 in the low 4.5s and vertical jump in the high 30s.