Solid Starter
Zion Johnson, G, Boston College – Round 1 
I think the Chargers made a mistake in taking Johnson over Northern Iowa tackle Trevor Penning. Some teams saw Johnson as a second-round talent, but the Chargers took him with the 17th-overall pick. Penning could have started out at guard and given the Chargers a right tackle option to pair with Rashawn Salter. That being said, Johnson is a very safe pick to be a quality starter and he is NFL ready.
In pass protection Johnson has good hand placement and knee bend. That helps him to hold his ground and sustain blocks. With the upper body strength to tie up defenders. Johnson’s thick lower body allows him to sink his weight and anchor against bull rushes. He has enough quickness, athleticism, and feet to slide and mirror, but could use some work for taking on NFL speed rushers.
In the ground game, Johnson packs a punch and knocked defenders back to open up holes at the point of attack. He is strong and physical to sustain his blocks and ride defenders out of their gap. While he is not an all world athlete with shocking quickens, Johnson has enough speed and agility to get to blocks on the second level.
Immediately, Johnson should be starting for the Chargers at left or right guard. As soon as his rookie season Johnson could be a steady pass protector for Justin Herbert and contributor to helping open holes for Austin Ekeler. I don’t believe that Johnson will be among the elite guards in the NFL on the level of say Quenton Nelson, but I do think that Johnson is going to be a solid starter for the Chargers.
2021: Rashawn Slater, OT
2020: Justin Herbert, QB
2019: Nasir Adderley, S
2018: Justin Jones, DT
2017: Forrest Lamp, G
2016: Hunter Henry, TE
2015: Denzel Perryman, LB
2014: Jason Verrett, CB
2013: Manti Te’o, LB
Most Likely To Bust
NONE The Chargers were without a second-round pick thanks to the Khalil Mack trade. The majority of picks in the third round or lower don’t pan out for NFL teams. With Zion Johnson looking like a very safe pick, Los Angeles did not have a pick high enough to quality as a true bust if that prospect doesn’t stick in the NFL.
2021: Asante Samuel Jr., CB
2020: Joe Reed, WR
2019: Trey Pipkins, OT
2018: Uchenna Nwosu, LB
2017: Dan Feeney, G
2016: Max Tuerk, center
2015: Craig Mager, CB
2014: Chris Watt, G
2013: D.J. Fluker, OT
Potential Boom Pick
NONE While I don’t see a bust in the Chargers draft class, I don’t see a boom pick either. I think Johnson will be a quality starter, while third-round safety J.T. Woods will be a solid pro. However, I do not think either Johnson or Woods will be among the best players at their position in the NFL.
2021: Tre’ McKitty, TE
2020: Kenneth Murray, LB
2019: Jerry Tillery, DT
2018: Derwin James, S
2017: Mike Williams, WR
2016: Joey Bosa, DE
2015: Melvin Gordon, RB
2014: Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB
2013: Keenan Allen, WR
Future Depth Player
Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M – Round 4 
The Chargers don’t need a starting running back with Austin Ekeler, but I think Spiller could be a superb backup. Spiller lacks the speed to be a three-down starter, but he runs hard and shows impressive receiving ability out of the backfield. Spiller could be an excellent rotational back to reduce the pounding on Ekeler, and Spiller has the flexibility to function on third down as well. Spiller was a superb value in the fourth round to give the Chargers a very good No. 2 back to pair with Ekeler.
2021: Josh Palmer, WR
2020: Joshua Kelley, RB
2019: Drue Tranquill, LB
2018: Kyzir White, S
2017: Desmond King, S
2016: Joshua Perry, LB
2015: Darius Philon, DT
2014: Marion Grice, RB
2013: Steve Williams, CB
Walt’s 2022 NFL Draft 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.
2022 NFL Draft Team Grade: C-. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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