NFL Draft 2022: Grading Chargers No. 17 pick of Zion Johnson

The Los Angeles Chargers had the No. 17 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and they chose Zion Johnson. How does this pick grade out for the Chargers?

Boy, is the AFC West loaded. Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Travis Kelce, Darren Waller, Davante Adams. It’s going to take a lot to win that division and every team in it decided they would get better this offseason. Anything you can do I can do better. And they all did. The Chargers might have had the best offseason in the conference by bringing in top talent on the defensive side of the ball in Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson.

With all the moves the Chargers made on the defensive side of the ball and Jordan Davis being off the board the Chargers’ 17th pick isn’t sexy but it’s smart.

Putting Zion Johnson in a line with Slater, who was an incredible rookie for the Chargers, is building the Chargers’ offensive line and will be a great protector for Justin Herbert. A great line can elevate everything for this Chargers offense which has talent on every tier.

Johnson is a plug-and-play player who can start day one at guard and either center or tackle. Aside from his physical and technical skills, Johnson was a multi-year captain. He is a great pass blocker and can create movement in the run game. With this pick, the Chargers are giving their star quarterback everything possible to succeed and are building one of the best lines in the game.

I give this pick an A. It was a great pick for an NFL unit that you can never have too much talent in. The Chargers didn’t reach and did what they needed to do by getting Justin Herbert more help.

Grade: A