The Los Angeles Chargers selected Boston College guard Zion Johnson in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 17 overall.
The Chargers have tried to upgrade their offensive line since drafting quarterback Justin Herbert sixth overall in 2020. Johnson adds much-needed depth to the group while providing an immediate upgrade inside.
It's the first time the Chargers have ever taken a guard in the first round, according to Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register.
It's the second straight year that L.A. has drafted an offensive lineman in the opening round. The Chargers selected tackle Rashawn Slater in 2021.
General manager Tom Telesco said Thursday he views Johnson as a right guard, adding he wants to keep Matt Feiler at left guard, according to Manzano.
Scouting profile: Zion Johnson
| School | Height | Weight | 40 time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | 6'3 | 312 | 5.18 |
Johnson is everything an NFL team wants in a first-round guard prospect in terms of frame, traits, and production. He demonstrates impressive strength as a run-blocker and in pass protection, as well as the intelligence to execute and adjust to challenging assignments. The only real question mark in Johnson's game at Boston College involved lateral movement, but then he tested at the combine like an elite athlete at the position, highlighted by 90th-plus percentile scores in change-of-direction drills. If Johnson can parlay that athleticism into more efficient short-area movements to give himself the tools to match finesse interior players, you could soon be looking at one of the next elite guards in the NFL.
