Tag: mock draft simulator

2022 NFL draft: Watch highlights of new Chargers safety JT Woods

Get familiar with the newest member of the Los Angeles Chargers, JT Woods.

The Chargers addressed the secondary with their pick of former Baylor safety JT Woods at No. 79 overall.

At 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, Woods posted elite testing numbers of a 4.36 40 and 39.5-inch vertical jump.

Woods recorded six interceptions last season for the Bears, showing just how much he can do with his hands.

These highlights exemplify his good ball skills and play-making ability:

Woods is an incredible rangy safety who can cover a lot of ground in a hurry.

While he isn’t known for his tackling prowess, Woods comes downhill, puts his pads down, and crushes receivers over the middle.

He had 57 tackles and eight passes defended to go with all those picks last season.

Woods has concerns as a tackler, as he falls off too many but there are plenty of positives to his game.

– Explosive and lengthy athlete with speed & range to erase the entire field

– Ball skills to pluck passes out of the air

– Could match up against tight ends

– Good pre-snap communicator

– Eyes to play through traffic

He could be a cornerback convert if he can’t improve as a tackler, but I trust the development from the coaches. If everything clicks, Woods has the potential to be a good one to play single-high and lock down the deep parts of the field in this league.

2022 NFL draft: 15 targets for Chargers at No. 79 overall selection

A list of a handful of prospects that the Los Angeles Chargers could consider when they’re on the clock in the third round.

The first day of the 2022 NFL draft is history, and it’s guard Zion Johnson who will be the newest member of the Chargers.

Looking towards the second day, after trading their second-round pick to acquire Khalil Mack, Los Angeles won’t be on the clock again until the third round.

Round 1 consisted of a flurry of unexpected moves, and it could very well be the same way during Rounds 2 and 3.

Nonetheless, I decided to take a crack at what the Bolts’ draft board could look like based on positional needs and fits and players that are projected to be available at that spot.

With that being said, here’s a look at their potential options when they’re on the clock with the No. 79 selection – barring any movement:

WR Calvin Austin, Memphis

Shifty and bursting with energy, Austin is an explosive product that has proved size isn’t everything as he’s just 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds. With track speed, unpredictable route running, and electric playmaking with the ball in his hands, Austin is exactly the dynamics the Chargers would benefit from.

WR Bo Melton, Rutgers

Like Austin, Melton isn’t the most physically imposing receiver at 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, but he has the speed, quickness, and explosion to win all over the field. In addition, his ability to create yards after the catch in space might be too enticing to pass up on.

WR Danny Gray, SMU

Gray has legitimate track speed, as evident by a blazing 4.33 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s a long-strider who can accelerate past cornerbacks off the line of scrimmage to win vertically and turn a slant into a 70-yard touchdown. He only returned nine kicks and two punts during his collegiate career, but Gray could develop into a weapon as a return man with his world-class speed.

OT Abraham Lucas, Washington State

Lucas was a reliable presence for the Cougars, starting 42 games at right tackle. Over the last two years, he allowed just one sack. At his best in pass pro, Lucas possesses great size and length for the position, the strength to anchor paired with doing a great job of having his upper- and lower-halves work in sync with one another.

OT 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. 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.

OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State

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.

DT Thomas Booker, Stanford

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. He lined up at various spots on Stanford’s defensive line, from nose tackle to five-technique, showing the versatility the Chargers covet.

DT Phidarian Mathis, Alabama

Mathis finished fifth in the broad jump (9-foot-11) among defensive tackles at the Combine. He was also a top performer in the 20-yard shuttle (4.91 seconds). 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, drawing parallels to Akiem Hicks.

CB Alontae Taylor, Tennessee

Taylor has the speed, physicality, and cover skills to make an impact at the next level and the overall skill set to be a contributor on special teams. Further, there is also some familiarity as Taylor played under defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley in 2019 & 2020, which is when he was the Volunteer’s defensive coordinator.

CB Coby Bryant, Cincinnati

Bryant ended a strong five-year career for Bearcats in emphatic fashion with national recognition as the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the country’s best defensive back. He is a corner that plays bigger than his frame, fusing precise coverage technique with noteworthy ball skills that draw a parallel to Marcus Peters.

CB Damarri Mathis, Pittsburgh

Mathis was one of the top cover corners in college football in 2019 with his 36.8% completion rate ranking fourth among corners who recorded at least 500 defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Mathis missed the 2020 season due to injury but rebounded with a solid 2021 season. He has great speed and route recognition while not afraid to make a play in the run game. Mathis played under defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill in 2017.

EDGE Amare Barno, Virginia

Barno was a Workout Warrior at the Scouting Combine. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds with 34-inch arms, the ideal player measurements 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 he needs to get a bit stronger, Barno has the speed, explosion, and athleticism to get after the quarterback.

EDGE Dominique Robinson, Miami (Ohio)

Robinson was a high school quarterback and converted to wide receiver in college. Then, he moved to pass rusher in 2020, finishing his collegiate career with 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Robinson went on to shine at the Senior Bowl and the Combine, where he posted a 41-inch vertical, which is tied with Myles Garrett for third-best among all EDGE since 2006. On the field, Robinson is an explosive edge rusher with the bend, burst, and change of direction to be a disruptive force in opposing backfields at the next level.

LB Jojo Domann, Nebraska

Domann began his career as more of a safety before transitioning to outside linebacker for the Huskers. Domann suffered back-to-back ACL injuries before his 2017 season, but he has stayed healthy since then, except for a finger injury that ended his 2021 season early. Nonetheless, Domann is a high IQ defender with the coverage ability, range, and fluidity in space to allow him to make an impact at all three levels.

LB Channing Tindall, Georgia

Staley loves his Bulldogs, having taken Tre’ McKitty and Mark Webb last year. Another one could find his way into the blue and gold. Tindall’s game is about speed and high energy, which shows up when coming downhill and in space. He has the coverage skills, range, and blitz ability to find his way onto the field early on, both on the defensive side of the ball and on special teams.

2022 NFL draft: Chargers’ biggest positional needs entering Day 2

Laying out the positions that the Los Angeles Chargers still need to address following their selection of Zion Johnson.

After adding Zion Johnson in the first round, the Chargers have filled their hole at guard.

But the show must still go on.

Here’s a look at Los Angeles’ biggest remaining positional needs on the roster entering Friday’s session.

Right Tackle

Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley both said on Thursday night that Johnson was drafted to be the team’s starter at right guard. Matt Feiler was also listed as being in the plans at left guard, which leaves the question of right tackle lingering. The Chargers seem to be comfortable with the thought of Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton battling it out for the starting job, but The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has L.A. selecting Washington State’s Abraham Lucas with the 79th selection. Other possible options in the draft include Louisiana’s Max Mitchell, Ohio State’s Nicholas Petit-Frere, or Penn State’s Rasheed Walker.

Cornerback

Staley’s defense places a huge amount of responsibility on the cornerback position, part of the reason why Washington’s Trent McDuffie seemed like a logical fit at 17th overall if Johnson was off the board. With JC Jackson and Asante Samuel Jr., the Chargers have two building blocks at corner, but the team seems to have lost some of the optimism about Michael Davis that resulted in his 3 year, $25.2 million extension prior to the 2021 season. A drafted corner could come in the form of a slot only type, with plans to keep Samuel on the outside, or it could be a lengthy outside corner, with Samuel kicking inside to the slot. Some options to keep an eye on during Day 2 include Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt, Sam Houston State’s Zyon McCollum, Pitt’s Damarri Mathis, and Cincinnati’s Coby Bryant.

Edge defender

This is the direction I had the Chargers going in my final 7 round mock draft on Thursday morning. Depth behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack is questionable right now after LA chose not to retain Kyler Fackrell or Uchenna Nwosu. Chris Rumph II was a fourth round pick a season ago, but he’d need to make a big leap to fill those shoes. Luckily for the Chargers, this draft class is stacked with EDGE talent from top to bottom. Every player I ranked from 6-10 in my EDGE rankings on Wednesday is still on the board, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath for any of them to fall to LA at 79. Focus on names like DeAngelo Malone (Western Kentucky), Dominique Robinson (Miami (OH)), Myjai Sanders (Cincinnati), and Amare Barno (Virginia Tech). 

Wide Receiver

Josh Palmer made strides as a rookie, and there’s no reason to believe he’s not in LA’s long-term plans. But the Chargers still lack a burner who has the speed to get under Justin Herbert’s moonshots downfield. The most likely options on the roster currently are Jalen Guyton and return specialist DeAndre Carter, neither of whom should prevent Los Angeles from targeting the right receiver on Day 2. I’ll be watching the closest for Calvin Austin III (Memphis) or Danny Gray (SMU), but if neither of them makes it to 79, I like Tyquan Thornton (Baylor) or Isaiah Weston (Northern Iowa) a bit later in the draft.

Running Back

Perhaps Chargers fans can be saved from the curse of yet another Day 3 RB draft pick if LA opts to turn to the position on Friday night instead. Austin Ekeler is a showstopper in the backfield, of course, but young guys like Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree III have struggled to gain their footing behind him. With every running back still on the board entering Day 2, the Chargers could find themselves in a valuable position to take their pick of some of the best available. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper listed Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller and BYU’s Tyler Allgeier as prime targets at 79. I’d add Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III, on the off chance that he slips down the board, as well as players worth later looks like Georgia’s Zamir White or Michigan’s Hassan Haskins.

2022 NFL draft: Alex Katson’s final 7-round projections for Chargers

Find out how Chargers Wire’s Alex Katson thinks the 2022 NFL draft will play out for Los Angeles.

It’s almost time for Roger Goodell to address NFL fans worldwide from Las Vegas to open the 2022 NFL Draft. So here’s one last look at a possible Chargers haul across all seven rounds from our Alex Katson.

1.17: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College

Johnson has been my preference for this selection for a few weeks now, especially with rumors that other Chargers targets like WR Chris Olave or CB Trent McDuffie may not tumble to 17. The former Davidson and Boston College lineman gives LA the flexibility to move Matt Feiler to right tackle, where he played well as a starter on the Steelers. It also retains the nasty run-blocking combo on the left side, where standout Rashawn Slater and Johnson would be combining to open gaping holes for Austin Ekeler and co.

3.79: DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky

As much as fans want to see Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack on the field as much as possible, there are going to be times when one or both of them are on the sideline for breathers. When that occurs, the Chargers’ best option right now is 2021 fourth-rounder Chris Rumph, who may not be ready to take on that role on his own. Malone is a touch undeveloped as a standup rusher after mainly playing defensive end as a Hilltopper, but deploying him in designated pass rush situations while Bosa and Mack coach him up could result in a diamond in the rough.

4.123: Danny Gray, WR, SMU

Gray has been a popular prospect to mock to the Chargers as a downfield speed threat with the potential to warp opposing defenses. He also has a bit of returner experience and could be the primary backup to DeAndre Carter. If the first three rounds don’t result in LA drafting a receiver, Gray will be an excellent selection early on Day 3.

5.160: Eyioma Uwazurike, IDL, Iowa State

Uwazurike has been heavily linked to the Chargers for a few months now, ever since the staff spent ample time working him out following Iowa State’s pro day in March. The defensive line is complete mainly after adding Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson, but a Day 3 pick to groom behind those players and Jerry Tillery could still be in order. It could also give us a clue on whether or not the Chargers plan to pick up Tillery’s fifth-year option.

6.195: Zamir White, RB, Georgia

I do believe Chargers fans are in for another Day 3 pick at running back after the struggles of Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree III a year ago. White has experience in a rotation after splitting time with James Cook at Georgia. He was also the more bruising back of the two, which could take some pressure and wear and tear off of Ekeler, who’d be freer to utilize his receiving talents.

6.214: Montaric Brown, CB, Arkansas

A former four-star recruit, Brown is an instinctual zone corner who plays longer than he is. While his testing numbers aren’t the most inspiring, I think he could be worth a flier pick this late as a potential developmental depth piece at corner.

7.236: Chance Campbell, LB, Mississippi

Brandon Staley’s defense doesn’t value linebackers very highly, so I think an addition to the current room won’t come until late in the draft. The coaching staff is apparently high on 2021 rookies Amen Ogbongbemiga and Nick Niemann, but adding depth behind them will be necessary.

7.254: Jean Delance, OT, Florida

Delance is another player the Chargers have been linked to extensively after pre-draft meetings with him. While Trey Pipkins has substantially improved this offseason, according to trainer Duke Manyweather, adding a fourth tackle as quality depth never hurts.

7.255: Armani Rogers, TE, Ohio

Rogers might be a touch too similar to Donald Parham Jr. to justify this selection, but I can’t shake the feeling that LA could be the ones to take a shot on his athletic gifts. Rogers has never played tight end outside of an all-star environment at the Shrine Bowl, but the LA native has shown ample potential.

7.260: Joey Blount, S, Virginia

Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson reported Wednesday that Blount visited the Chargers. While he’s mostly been talked about as a UDFA, interest from other teams has also ramped up in recent days. LA could need to spend a late pick on him to add depth to the safety corps if they’ve fallen in love.

2022 NFL draft: Gavino Borquez’ final 7-round projections for Chargers

Find out how Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez thinks the 2022 NFL draft will play out for Los Angeles.

Here it is! My final seven-round mock draft for the Chargers, with my prediction of who they’ll take with each of their picks.

Let’s dive in!

Round 1, No. 17, WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

The Chargers have set themselves up to go a variety of ways with their first pick. While protecting Justin Herbert may be a higher priority, it’s hard for the team to surpass the one element they have been missing: speed. Olave’s 4.39-long speed would perfectly complement Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley look to get the most out of Herbert’s rookie contract.

Round 3, No. 79, OL Cole Strange, Chattanooga

The Chargers need to reshape the right side of the offensive line. While they could take a right tackle here, Matt Feiler is a candidate to be moved to that spot, considering he played there during his time with the Steelers. Strange does a solid job setting short anchors, is sound with his body control and lower-half footwork to mirror, shows the awareness to pick up blitzes/stunts, and has the temperament to finish in the run game. He would plugin at one of the guard spots, with the ability to take over as the starting center when Corey Linsley’s time with Los Angeles comes to an end.

Round 4, No. 123, CB Alontae Taylor, Tennessee

The Chargers added the top-tier talent of J.C. Jackson to start alongside Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. Still, with an ever-revolving secondary, the team needs playmakers behind them. Taylor has the speed, physicality, and cover skills to make an impact at the next level and the overall skill set to be a contributor on special teams. Further, there is also some familiarity as Taylor played under defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley in 2019 & 2020, which is when he was the Volunteer’s defensive coordinator.

Round 5, No. 160, DT Eric Johnson, Missouri State

The Chargers upgraded the interior part of the defensive line with the additions of Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson, which should benefit the run defense that finished near the bottom of the league last season. Still, the team needs to add one or two more pieces to the group.

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, agility and explosiveness off the snap, showing the ability to eat up blocks and make plays in the backfield.

It’s worth noting that Johnson had one of his few top-30 visits with the Bolts.

Round 6, No. 195, RB Keaontay Ingram, USC

Finding Austin Ekeler’s running mate is atop the Chargers’ priority, so they may address this position earlier on. Nonetheless, the team will more than likely draft one after passing up on the available options via free agency.

Ingram is a transfer from Texas who rushed for 911 yards for the Trojans last season. Boasting a frame at 221 pounds, Ingram has the size which he uses to break arm tackles, coupled with outstanding change of direction ability, footwork, vision and juice at the second level.

Round 6, No. 214, EDGE Luiji Vilain, Wake Forest

The Chargers have one of the best edge defender tandems with Joey Bosa and the newest member, Khalil Mack. However, the team needs pass-rushing depth behind them.

After spending four years at Michigan, Vilain transferred to Wake Forest, where he had a breakout season. At his Pro Day, Vilain tested off the charts with a 1.57 10-yard split, 7.01 three-cone, and 35-inch vertical jump.

At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds with a 79-inch wingspan, Vilain has the explosiveness, power, length, and high motor to win around the edge at the next level.

Round 7, No. 236, OT Zachary Thomas, San Diego State

The right tackle position is one of the most pressing needs, but as I said earlier, there’s the scenario where the Chargers move Matt Feiler over to the spot. Regardless of the direction they go about the position, depth is still needed.

Thomas ran a 4.96-second 40-yard dash (90th percentile) with a 7.40-second three-cone (92nd). He earned an 87.2 overall PFF grade in 2021 and let up three sacks, two quarterback hits, and eight hurries.

Thomas shows functional athleticism, quality strength/leverage, excellent balance, and a high level of intelligence as far as picking up stunts/blitzes goes, projecting as a reliable swing option.

Round 7, No. 254, S Joey Blount, Virginia

With defensive backs being integral pieces in Staley’s defense, the Chargers add to a safety room that needs some retooling, especially as Alohi Gilman and Mark Webb spent a good chunk of last season on the sidelines with their perspective injuries.

Blount primarily lined up as a free safety in the Cavalier’s defense, but he saw some time in the slot and the box, providing some position versatility. With his speed, toughness, and physicality, he can make a significant impact on special teams in Year 1.

Round 7, No. 255, TE Derrick Deese Jr., San Jose State

The Chargers have a solid tight end group with Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty and the newest addition, Gerald Everett. However, last season proved how integral of a position it is in Joe Lombardi’s offense.

While he didn’t test well, Deese has the body control hands and length to high point the football that should translate well at the next level, but in addition, he’s a competitive run blocker. He also has enough speed and toughness to contribute on special teams.

Round 7, No. 260, LB Nephi Sewell, Utah

The Chargers complete their draft with a player who will compete for one of the linebacker spots on the depth chart and has special teams upside, selecting Sewell, the brother of Penei, with their final pick.

While Sewell lacks the physical traits, the former safety has the coverage skills and the play speed and toughness to contribute in the NFL.

Who should the Chargers select in the 2022 NFL draft?

You the fans, let us know who you think the Los Angeles Chargers will pick with the No. 17 overall selection.

The mock drafts are finally coming to an end, as the actual event is just a little over 24 hours away. It’s then when we will know who will officially be the newest member of the Chargers.

You have seen copious amounts of mocks posted throughout the past months, and you can gauge what we and other media outlets think Los Angeles should do with the No. 17 overall selection.

But it’s now your turn to let your voices be heard on who you think will be the one to don the powder blues at the end of Thursday night.

Vote in the poll below.

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