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2022 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers take Zion Johnson No.17 overall

By Sravan Gannavarapu

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Zion Johnson #OL22 of Boston College runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Zion Johnson #OL22 of Boston College runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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After writing a new chapter in the “all-in” philosophy book this offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers take Zion Johnson with the 17th overall pick, hoping he provides a positive finishing touch. 

The signing of JC Jackson and the trade for Khalil Mack were mere subplots to how the Los Angeles Chargers approached this year’s offseason. Given their belief in quarterback Justin Herbert, combined with how the season ended last year, it is clear about the mindset of this franchise.

They are going all-in on Herbert while he has the rookie contract. To their credit, their division also got stronger throughout.

Furthermore, the franchise needs to show that they can be more than just paper champions. Mack and Jackson provide juice, but the Chargers still have several holes to plug in before taking the field this year.

Without a second-round pick this year, it is vital that the Bolts strike a form of lightning with their first-round pick. By taking Zion Johnson 17th overall, they believe that they have done so. To their credit, Johnson is certainly a worthy choice for the team, and his tape corroborates.

Zion Johnson’s selection further emphasizes that the Los Angeles Chargers are all in on Justin Herbert.

Last season, inconsistency among the offensive line, particularly in the last game of the season, played a major role in why Los Angeles was sent packing. The timeout makes for a good story, but the Chargers need protection, to begin with.

Thankfully, the Chargers went with a safe and worthy selection without having to move and knowing that they do not have a second-round pick, thanks to the Khalil Mack trade. Johnson can be a plug-and-play player, given how well he performed at Boston College.

The Eagles in Beantown know how to breed college football players to make it to the next level, and Johnson is one of them. Expect Herbert and friends to be excited about this move, especially because Johnson’s primary responsibility is to keep No. 10 upright.

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