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.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers could go a variety of ways here with their first-round pick, including a wide receiver, defensive tackle, or right tackle. But instead, the team solidifies the interior part of the offensive line. There’s still the possibility of re-signing Oday Aboushi, which would then allow Johnson to slide in at left guard and kick Matt Feiler out to right tackle.
Overall, with a combination of play strength, lateral quickness, leverage, and proper hand placement, defenders struggle to get by Johnson. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson gave up just one sack and three hurries all season. Further, he is a mauler as a run blocker, with outstanding finishing ability and the athleticism to climb to the second level with ease.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers continue to add pieces to put Justin Herbert in the most optimal position to succeed with their second pick here, which comes in the third round since they traded away their second-rounder to land Khalil Mack.
With the team lacking a true speed/yards-after-catch element, Robinson fulfills that void. In his junior season as a Wildcat, Robinson recorded 104 catches for 1,334 yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite boasting a smaller stature at 5-foot-8 and 178 pounds, Robinson has the ability to thrive with his speed, quickness and route-running ability, and the willingness to work over the middle. On top of that, he brings experience as a returner and special teams upside.
WanāDale Robinson is lighting in a bottle #FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/fedDRHLxV3
— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) March 11, 2022
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
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 could afford to add one or two more pieces to the group. In particular, an interior defender with pass-rush upside. Insert Uwazurike.
Boasting rare size at 6-foot-6 and 318 pounds with 35 1/8-inch arms, Uwazurike is a versatile lineman, having lined up at nose tackle, 3- 5-technique on the Cyclonesā multiple front, who wins with a blend of power, quickness, and length.
Eyioma Uwazurike hard outside step, crosses face with the swim and pressures the QB at 6'6, 320. Will McDonald gets the SACK. pic.twitter.com/uFDkNibmt1
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) November 19, 2021
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
With defensive backs being integral pieces in Brandon 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.
Cook piled up two interceptions, nine passes defensed and 96 tackles as a senior, including nine tackles and an interception vs. Alabama in the playoffs.
At 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, heās got the physicality and tackling skills to play in the box and enough coverage ability to play in the slot, as a single-high defender and take on split-field responsibilities.
Bryan Cook playing single high here. Good reaction, gets on it and drives through at the catch point for a PBU. pic.twitter.com/dx5rxemvoI
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) February 11, 2022
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Finding Austin Ekeler’s running mate is atop the Chargers’ priority, which is why they may address this position earlier on. But nonetheless, the team will more than likely draft one after passing up on the options via free agency.
After rushing for 1,130 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2020, Allgeier set the new school record for single-season rushing yards in 2021 with 1,601. He also tied the national best with 23 rushing touchdowns a season ago.
At 5-foot-11 and 224 pounds, Allgeier is a strong and well-built back with good vision and contact balance to break tackles in the running game coupled with passing-game impact, having caught 42 passes for 373 yards over the 2020-21 seasons.
Tyler Allgeier showing vision and balance for the 49 yd td pic.twitter.com/mePX5TnPkc
— NFL Prospect Clips (@NflProspectClip) March 29, 2022
Logan Whitton/Getty Images
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 to complement Chris Rumph II.
After spending four years at Michigan, Vilain transferred to Wake Forest, where he had a breakout season. He finished his final year of college with 34 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles.
At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds with a 79-inch wingspan, Vilain has the explosiveness, length, and high motor to win around the edge at the next level. At his Pro Day, Vilain posted an eyebrow-raising 1.57 10-yard split.
#GoDeacs EDGE Luiji Vilain just declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. The former 4āļøtransfer from Michigan put up some solid numbers for Wake Forest this season.
Here, Villain does a great job using speed to win around the corner. And, you have to commend his motor as well. pic.twitter.com/9029JY9Ngf
— Nick Price (@PriceCheck3) January 1, 2022
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The right tackle position is one of the most pressing needs, but as I said earlier, there’s a scenario where the Chargers move Matt Feiler over to the spot. If not, it would not be surprising to see Trey Pipkins, a player the team is high on, start there. Nonetheless, depth is still needed.
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. He shows functional athleticism, quality strength/leverage, excellent balance, and a high level of intelligence as far as picking up stunts/blitzes goes.
Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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 additional depth behind them.
Fields established himself as one of the top cover corners in the Big 12. He totaled 221 tackles and four interceptions over his career to go along with 44 passes defended, the most for any Red Raider since 2000 and the second-highest total among active FBS players last season.
Watching DBs this PM, and this was a really good play by @TexasTechFB CB Damarcus Fields (@FieldsToThePros)
Wasn't intercepted (TTU did have 4 INTs vs HOU), but the recognition and in-air skills impressed
Really impressive defensive back unit in the Big 12 #ShrineBowl #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/WLhyyNPxVp
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) September 15, 2021
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers close out the draft by bringing in another player who can supply a boost in the trenches.
Ray never lived up to his five-star billing out of high school due to several injuries throughout his collegiate career. When he was on the field, his talent was on full display. He offers pass rush ability and the ability to defend the interior run effectively through his length and active hands.
What a damn rep by DE LaBryan Ray vs Sadarius Hutcherson
š³Stack n Shed violence š³ pic.twitter.com/OA09bA8UVu
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 16, 2020
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Meet the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2022 NFL draft class.
The Chargers rounded out their 2022 draft class with a fullback.
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