Chargers 2022 NFL Draft Projections, Positions Needed & Mock Draft

Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Draft

Being snake-bit was something the Chargers could not shake from the team’s DNA when they relocated to Los Angeles. The Chargers started the 2021 season 4-1, and were 8-5 entering the final four weeks of last season. However, in typical franchise fashion, the Chargers lost three of their final four games to finish 9-8, missing the playoffs.

Los Angeles couldn’t get it done against the rival Las Vegas Raiders, taking a timeout late in overtime that allowed the Raiders to kick a game-winning field goal (a tie would’ve sent both teams to the postseason). There’s a lot to like with this Chargers’ team, though. Los Angeles has big-armed, franchise quarterback Justin Herbert to lead its offense.

The issue for coach Brandon Staley is whether he adjusts his aggressive approach to in-game decisions. The Chargers went for first downs on a number of fourth-and-shorts. Many times, those didn’t end well. While last season was a bitter pill, Los Angeles has a good foundation and roughly $23 million in cap space to maneuver.

Should the Bolts bolster their defense and add a few more playmakers, Los Angeles could be among the favorites to compete for a Super Bowl.

Players Leaving the Los Angeles Chargers

Tight end Jared Cook is still productive at 34, but Los Angeles will likely seek a younger option at the position. Cook caught 48 passes for 564 yards (four touchdowns) last season. He’s bounced around a lot during his 13-year career, with the longest tenure being a four-year stint with Tennessee.

Defensive back Chris Harris Jr. has seen a major drop in both performance and durability since signing with the team in 2020. In 23 games over two seasons with Los Angeles, he’s only intercepted two passes, defending six. In each season, he’s recorded 37 tackles.

Cornerback Devontae Harris will likely not return. Harris appeared in five games for the Chargers, making nine tackles.

Guards Michael Schofield and Senio Kelemete both struggled last season, and each may leave the organization for different options. Los Angeles can find younger, cheaper players.

Positions Needed by the Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles could use more depth at cornerback. It only intercepted 11 passes as a team last season, with five from the cornerback position. Asante Samuel Jr. led the team with two, while Michael Davis and Harris each grabbed one. Landing a corner who could take over the No. 1 spot goes a long way to bolster their defense.

Stopping the run was an issue for the Chargers last season. One of the best ways for Los Angeles to improve in that area would be improving its defensive-tackle position. The Chargers have two tackles, Justin Jones and Linval Joseph, who are both free agents. LA will likely look to add depth, regardless of whether one, both, or neither player decides to return.

The Chargers will also likely look to add a third wide receiver to support Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, both of whom had over 1,000 yards last season. Williams recently signed a contract extension, making a long-term commitment to the team. However, the depth behind those two was an issue. Jalen Guyton was the Chargers’ third-leading receiver last season (31 catches, 448 yards, three touchdowns).

Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft

The Chargers will have 11 draft picks to try and inject some fresh blood into the franchise. With the 17th pick in the first round, Los Angeles can look to solve its problem at defensive tackle. Jordan Davis, a 6-foot-6 senior out of Georgia, recorded two sacks and 17 solo tackles for the champion Bulldogs last season.

Davis had a career-high 32 tackles and broke up a pass as a senior. His had major increases in production as a senior. In the second round, Los Angeles could add more protection up front for Herbert. Ohio State junior tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere is a 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive lineman who became the a starter in 2020 and was on the watch list for the 2021 Outland Trophy. While Petit-Frere had a few tough outings last season, his size and athleticism should make him a solid pro lineman.

North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson may be a useful later-round selection for the Chargers. As a senior, Watson hauled in 43 passes for 700 yards (seven touchdowns). Watson was consistent throughout his career while playing for the Football Championship Subdivision juggernaut.

Tennessee cornerback Alontae Taylor could also be a good fit for the team. He intercepted two passes for the Volunteers last season, defending six. He also recorded 60 tackles, 41 of which were solo. Check Chargers’ NFL Draft odds and NFL Odds.

2022 NFL Draft Event Information

Date: Thursday, April 28 (Round 1) | Friday, April 29 (Rounds 2-3) | Saturday, April 30 (Rounds 4-7)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Thursday) | 7 p.m. ET (Friday) | Noon ET (Saturday)
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
TV Channel: ABC | ESPN | NFL Network
NFL Draft Live Streaming: NFL Game Pass