Los Angeles Chargers (Last Year: 9-8)
2022 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
WR DeAndre Carter, TE Gerald Everett, DE/OLB Khalil Mack, DE Morgan Fox, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT Austin Johnson, OLB Kyle Van Noy, CB J.C. Jackson, CB Bryce Callahan, P JK Scott.
Early Draft Picks:
G Zion Johnson, S J.T. Woods, RB Isaiah Spiller, NT Otito Ogbonnia. Chargers Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB Justin Jackson, TE Jared Cook, OT Bryan Bulaga, DE Uchenna Nwosu, DE Kyler Fackrell, DT Justin Jones, DT Linval Joseph, LB Kyzir White, CB Chris Harris Jr.
2022 Los Angeles Chargers Offense:
It was easy to be bullish on Justin Herbert’s outlook in 2021. Herbert was a revelation as a rookie despite playing behind an offensive line with some major holes. General manager Tom Telesco did a great job of beefing up the blocking unit last spring, completely revamping the left side of the offensive line. He signed Corey Linsely and Matt Feiler, two outstanding linemen who would man center and left guard, respectively, and then he used his first-round pick on Rashawn Slater, who enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign.
The right side of the offensive line continued to be an issue, but that likely won’t be the case anymore in the wake of the Chargers’ decision to use the No. 17 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft on Zion Johnson. A plug-and-play guard, Johnson seems like a huge upgrade. If so, the only weakness up front will be at right tackle, though Trey Pipkins wasn’t bad down the stretch.
Thanks to improved blocking, Herbert was able to confidently stand in the pocket and air out deep passes to Mike Williams, rather than just dump balls to Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler. This would explain why Williams had the best season of his young career in 2021. Williams caught 76 passes for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns, and he was justly rewarded with a 3-year, $60 million contract. Given that Herbert’s blocking is expected to improve, Williams could be even better this year.
As for the receivers not named Williams and Allen, the Chargers don’t really have any proven commodities besides tight end Gerald Everett, who is just a mediocre talent. Perhaps 2021 third-rounder Joshua Palmer will see an expanded role this season. Palmer caught 33 passes as a rookie, but 18 of those came in the final five weeks of the season, so that could be a sign of good things to come.
Of course, Ekeler will continue to rack up tons of receptions. Ekeler, who caught 70 balls in 2021, seems like he should be banged up often because of his frame (5-10, 200), but he has missed one or fewer games in three of his five NFL seasons. If that trend breaks, the Chargers can use talented rookie Isaiah Spiller to fill Ekeler’s shoes.
2022 Los Angeles Chargers Defense:
If it wasn’t for all the crazy quarterback movement that occurred this offseason, everyone would be raving about what the Chargers accomplished. They made a blockbuster trade that can easily be forgotten amid all the mayhem, as they traded draft picks to the Bears for Khalil Mack.
Mack has been one of the elite edge rushers in the NFL throughout his career. He’s now 31, so regression will arrive soon, but Mack should still perform on a Pro Bowl level in the next couple of seasons. He and Joey Bosa will arguably be the best edge-rushing duo in the NFL. The Chargers also acquired Kyle Van Noy, a versatile linebacker who will provide decent depth behind them.
Mack wasn’t the only talented front-seven player the Chargers obtained. The team signed Sebastian Joseph-Day, who kicked off his 2021 campaign with a hot start, logging three sacks in seven games. He missed the rest of the season with a torn pectoral, but should be 100 percent by the opener. The Chargers will need him to be on the field because the rest of their interior defensive line is lackluster. The run defense was atrocious in 2021.
It’s unclear if the Chargers will improve versus the run – fifth-round rookie nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia may help – but they’ll be much better versus the pass. There are two reasons for this, with one being Mack. The other is J.C. Jackson. The former Patriot was one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL last year. Jackson will be a great addition opposite Asante Samuel Jr., who thrived as a second-round rookie last year. In the slot, Bryce Callahan will play until he gets hurt. Callahan is a talented player, but has major trouble staying healthy. In the past three years, Callahan missed 28 of 49 possible games.
Derwin James is another injury-prone defensive back on the team. James missed 27 games between 2019 and 2020, but returned to play 15 contests last year. He’s one of the better safeties in the NFL when healthy. He’ll continue to start alongside Nasir Adderley, who is a fairly mediocre player.
Rounding out the defense, the Chargers have some questions in their linebacking corps. Former first-round pick Kenneth Murray hasn’t come close to living up to expectations. Drue Tranquill has been a better player, but really only by default. Murray is at risk of being benched for poor play, though the Chargers don’t seem to have any good alternatives.
2022 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule and Intangibles:
The Chargers have no home-field advantage. They are 20-19 as hosts since moving back to Los Angeles in 2017. They’re 22-20 as visitors in that span. The NFL will have to consider moving the Chargers, perhaps to Oakland, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, or Salt Lake City.
The Chargers had been great on special teams in most recent years. They scored once and didn’t allow a touchdown last year.
Conversely, the Chargers have endured major kicking woes for years. They brought in Dustin Hopkins last year, who was 10-of-12, but he’s only 15-of-30 from 50-plus in his career.
Continuing the trend of horrible special teams, punter J.K. Scott had one of the worst punting averages in the NFL last year.
The Chargers have a mixed non-divisional schedule. They’ll have to battle the Rams, 49ers, Browns and Cardinals, but they’ve lucked out with the Jaguars, Texans, Seahawks and Falcons on the slate.
2022 Los Angeles Chargers Rookies:
Go here for the Chargers Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2022 Los Angeles Chargers Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2022 Los Angeles Chargers Analysis: The Chargers bolstered their offensive line and pass rush this offseason, and yet they barely lost any players of signifiance. With Justin Herbert bound to keep improving, the sky is the limit. Even when considering how difficult the AFC West is, the Chargers are one of the primary Super Bowl LVII contenders.
Projection: 13-4 (1st in AFC West)
2021 Projection: 12-5. 2021 Actual Result: 9-8.
2020 Projection: 5-11. 2020 Actual Result: 7-9.
2019 Projection: 9-7. 2019 Actual Result: 5-11.
2018 Projection: 9-7. 2018 Actual Result: 12-4.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 9-7.
2016 Projection: 7-9. 2016 Actual Result: 5-11.
NFL Draft Team Grade: C- Grade
Goals Entering the 2022 NFL Draft: The Chargers did a great job of bolstering their roster in free agency, but they still have some weak spots. This includes right tackle and cornerback. Those positions must be plugged. Otherwise, the Chargers can take the best player available.
2022 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Given the terrific free agency period the Chargers enjoyed, I had high hopes for them in the 2022 NFL Draft. They let me down, however, thanks to their decision to eschew all value with their first two picks.
When Trevor Penning and Jermaine Johnson dropped to the Chargers at No. 17, I considered both slam-dunk options for them, yet they opted for Zion Johnson instead. I like Johnson as a prospect, but selecting a guard with the 17th pick was a reach, especially when considering who was available. Quality guards are always found in the middle rounds, so taking one so early is not a good strategy. After that, the Chargers reached for J.T. Woods in the third frame. I had him projected in the fifth round. Even worse, Woods didn’t really fill any sort of need.
The Chargers made some amends for their early blunders on Day 3 when they obtained better value with Isaiah Spiller, Otito Ogbonnia and Jamaree Salyer, though Spiller didn’t really fill a need either. This was a disappointing draft overall for the Chargers, as it could have been handled far better by Tom Telesco and company.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
17. Zion Johnson, G/C, Boston College – C- Grade
I like Zion Johnson more than Kenyon Green, but I’m not a fan of this pick. The Chargers had a much bigger need at tackle, and Trevor Penning was available. Jermaine Johnson would’ve been an excellent pick as well. This selection has little value and doesn’t fill the biggest need. Not good.
79. J.T. Woods, S, Baylor – D Grade
I expected better from Tom Telesco in the third round. I had J.T. Woods as a fifth-round prospect. He doesn’t fill much of a need either. I get adding secondary help because of all the great quarterbacks in the division, but edge rush or cornerback would’ve made much more sense, especially if that prospect happened to belong in the third-round range!
123. Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M – A- Grade
I didn’t think running back was atop the Chargers’ needs list, but I can’t blame them for not passing on a talented running back like Isaiah Spiller. I thought Spiller should’ve been chosen a round earlier, so I love this value San Angeles is getting with someone who will provide good insurance for Austin Ekeler.
160. Otito Ogbonnia, NT, UCLA – A- Grade
People thought the Chargers would select a monstrous nose tackle to help them improve their woeful run defense earlier than this, but better late than never. Otito Ogbonnia is a solid value in this range, and he projects to fill a big need.
195. Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia – A Grade
What took Jamaree Salyer so long to come off the board? I had him in the third- or fourth-round range. He played tackle at Georgia, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. Still, Salyer could have some versatility, and he provides great value for the Chargers.
214. Ja’Sir Taylor, CB, Wake Forest – B Grade
The Chargers need as many cornerbacks as possible to combat all the passing talent in the division. Ja’Sir Taylor was a likely sixth- or seventh-round pick. He should be able to play in the slot.
236. Deane Leonard, CB, Ole Miss – B Grade
Deane Leonard wasn’t on my radar at all until he ran a 4.39 40 at 6-1. He has quality upside, which is what you want from your late-round picks. Besides, the Chargers need as much corner help as possible.
260. Zander Horvath, FB, Purdue – B Grade
I’m not opposed to the Chargers closing out their draft class with a fullback with the antepenultimate pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Austin Ekeler and the rest of the backs will be happy about this.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Season Summary:
The Chargers came within a field goal of qualifying for the playoffs, but couldn’t beat the Raiders in the season finale. Still, the Chargers can be encouraged by Justin Herbert and the other young players on the roster.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Defensive Tackle: Improving the woeful run defense must be a priority for the Chargers. They’re desperate for help in the trenches. Signed Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson
- Two Cornerbacks: With Chris Harris Jr. entering free agency, the Chargers will need to add a couple of cornerbacks to go along with Asante Samuel Jr. One cornerback will be needed if Harris is re-signed. Signed J.C. Jackson and Bryce Callahan
- Right Tackle: Bryan Bulaga hasn’t been able to stay healthy in two seasons with the Chargers. The front office may want to move on from the unreliable Bulaga.
- Defensive End: The two edge rushers who play across from Joey Bosa – Uchenna Nwosu, Kyler Fackrell – are set to hit free agency. Signed Morgan Fox
- Tight End: Justin Herbert could use a permanent threat over the middle of the field, though perhaps that will end up being Donald Parham. Signed Gerald Everett
- Backup Quarterback: Chase Daniel is an impending free agent, but the Chargers needed to upgrade him anyway.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2022 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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J.C. Jackson, CB, Patriots. Age: 26. 
Signed with Chargers (5 years, $82.5 million)
J.C. Jackson evolved into one of the top shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL this past season. He’s only 26, so he could get even better in the near future.
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Bryce Callahan, CB, Broncos. Age: 30.
Signed with Chargers (1 year)
If Bryce Callahan were younger and healthier, he would be ranked much higher than this because he’s an excellent slot cornerback. However, he’s an injury-prone 30-year-old now.
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Sebastian Joseph-Day, DE/DT, Rams. Age: 27.
Signed with Chargers (3 years, $24 million)
Sebastian Joseph-Day got off to a hot start in his 2021 campaign, logging three sacks in seven games, but missed the rest of the season with a torn pectoral.
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Kyle Van Noy, OLB, Patriots. Age: 32.
Signed with Chargers
Kyle Van Noy turns 32 this offseason, but he’s still a capable linebacker in coverage.
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Gerald Everett, TE, Seahawks. Age: 28.
Signed with Chargers (2 years, $12 million)
Gerald Everett caught a career-high 48 passes in his first season with the Seahawks, as he no longer had to compete for targets with Tyler Higbee.
- Austin Johnson, DT, Giants. Age: 28. — Signed with Chargers
- DeAndre Carter, WR, Redskins. Age: 29. — Signed with Chargers
- Morgan Fox, DE, Panthers. Age: 28. — Signed with Chargers
- Troy Reeder, LB, Rams. Age: 27. — Signed with Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Mike Williams, WR, Chargers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Chargers
Mike Williams endured some struggles heading into 2021, but exploded with a huge season. This was a byproduct of Justin Herbert gaining experience and having more time in the pocket.
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Chris Harris Jr., CB, Chargers. Age: 33.
Chris Harris Jr. is coming off a down season, perhaps because of age or injury. He’s 33, so he could continue to regress. However, he could bounce back and have one or two more great years.
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Kyzir White, LB, Chargers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $5 million)
Kyzir White isn’t a great player by any means, but he’s a young, well-rounded, three-down linebacker. He can also play some safety.
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Justin Jones, DT, Chargers. Age: 25.
Signed with Bears (2 years)
Justin Jones is coming off a down year that was disrupted by injuries. He’s only 25, so he’ll bounce back if he can remain healthy next season.
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Uchenna Nwosu, DE/OLB, Chargers. Age: 25.
Signed with Seahawks (2 years, $20 million)
Uchenna Nwosu has flashed some ability at times throughout his 4-year career. He’s still just 25, so he has some time to keep developing.
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Justin Jackson, RB, Chargers. Age: 26.
Justin Jackson looked terrific in his one start against the Texans this past season. He made the argument that he deserves more touches.
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Bryan Bulaga, OT, Chargers. Age: 33.
Bryan Bulaga went to the Chargers as one of the better right tackles in the NFL, but he has missed 22 games in the past two seasons. He could rebound in 2022, but there’s also a chance that he’ll continue to deal with injuries.
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Linval Joseph, DT, Chargers. Age: 33.
Linval Joseph was a disappointment as a run stuffer in 2021, but he was still able to generate some pressure on the quarterback. At 33, Joseph’s days are numbered.
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Jared Cook, TE, Chargers. Age: 35.
Jared Cook caught 48 passes for 564 yards and four touchdowns in his first season with the Chargers. He’s 35, however, so he doesn’t have much time remaining.
- Oday Aboushi, G/OT, Chargers. Age: 31.
- Michael Schofield, G/OT, Chargers. Age: 31.
- Kyler Fackrell, DE/OLB, Chargers. Age: 30. — Signed with Raiders
- Stephen Anderson, TE, Chargers. Age: 29. — Signed with Cardinals (1 year)
- Christian Covington, DT, Chargers. Age: 28. — Re-signed with Chargers
- Scott Quessenberry, C, Chargers. Age: 27. — Signed with Texans
- Trey Marshall, S, Chargers. Age: 26.
- Ryan Smith, CB, Chargers. Age: 28.
- Chase Daniel, QB, Chargers. Age: 35. — Re-signed with Chargers (1 year, $2.25 million)
- Senio Kelemete, G, Chargers. Age: 32.
- Andre Roberts, WR, Chargers. Age: 34. — Signed with Panthers
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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