The Los Angeles Chargers narrowly missed out on the 2021-2022 NFL playoffs, but there is no time to sulk. With their management and coaching staff turning the page to the offseason, what positions should the franchise target in the 2022 NFL Draft? Let’s run a 7-round mock draft for the Chargers to find out!
Los Angeles Chargers 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Using PFN’s free Mock Draft Simulator, equipped with the current NFL Draft order, let’s see who the Chargers should target with their 11 picks.
Round 1, Pick 17: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Standing at 6’7″ and 360 pounds, Jordan Davis is undoubtedly the largest man in most places he goes. A two-high safety team (like the Chargers) needs a two-gapping defensive tackle to man the middle of the line. Davis can do that and then some, as he is quicker than his size would lead you to believe.
Other alternatives at No. 17: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama; Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State; Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Round 2, Pick 48: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Drake Jackson suffered a late-season injury, but he still showcased a significant step in his development. He tore apart opposing offensive tackles after struggling to consistently dominate last year. Jackson also offers valuable versatility as he has experience with his hand on the ground and standing up off the edge. LA finally finds the Robin to Joey Bosa’s Batman.
Other alternatives at No. 48: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State; Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama; Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Round 3, Pick 79: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
The Chargers took one of the biggest men in the draft in the first round, but they grab the biggest man in the third. Daniel Faalele is a towering 6’9″ and 380 pounds. What makes him more impressive is his ability to actually move at that size and not be a cinderblock on the offensive line. Faalele only began his football career five years ago, so he is not the most refined prospect.
Nevertheless, you can’t coach size, which the eighth world wonder obviously owns. LA’s 2021 first-round pick, Rashawn Slater, was an absolute hit at left tackle. Yet, Storm Norton was a turnstile at right tackle this year. While Faalele still has work to do, he and Slater could provide a safe pocket for QB Justin Herbert.
Other alternatives at No. 79: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State; Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming; Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Round 4, Pick 120: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
George Pickens tore his ACL last spring and miraculously returned to the field for the Bulldogs in the regular-season finale. He only totaled 5 catches for 107 yards from then through the national championship, but the Georgia WR flashed his deep-threat ability with catches of 37 and 52 yards. Testing and medicals will be key, but Pickens could be the No. 2 option next to Keenan Allen (or No. 3 if LA keeps Mike Williams in house) that the Chargers have longed for.
Other alternatives at No. 120: Sincere McCormick, RB, UTSA; Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia
Round 5, Pick 159: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Just two years removed from lining up at receiver on the opposite side of the field, Tariq Woolen has impressed on the defensive side of the ball. At 6’4″ and 205 pounds with athleticism to boot, Woolen is one of the rarer CB prospects in the class. He is still learning the nuances of the position, but his potential is immense under head coach Brandon Staley.
Other alternatives at No. 159: Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama; Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah
Round 6, Pick 195: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
Now, this isn’t fair. Greg Dulcich may go higher than the sixth round, but UCLA’s lackluster 2021 campaign may drop him down the board. Still, his raw athleticism from the tight end position is worth a selection on its own.
Dulcich can take the TE1 reigns from 37-year-old Jared Cook and run with them. The Chargers would be wise to give Herbert all the weapons possible, which is exactly what Dulcich is at TE — a weapon.
Other alternatives at No. 195: Quentin Lake, S, UCLA; Dontario Drummond, WR, Ole Miss
Round 6, Pick 215: Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M
Derwin James and Nasir Adderley are an elite safety duo, but with James often lining up in the slot or the box, the Chargers need a third safety to make an impact. Alohi Gilman and Trey Marshall haven’t locked down that third safety role, so why not take a shot at one of the top prospects hailing from an HBCU? Markquese Bell — similarly to James — can line up at deep safety, in the slot, in the box, and even occasionally off the edge.
Other alternatives at No. 215: Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA; Nick Broeker, OT, Ole Miss
Round 6, Pick 216: Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
After two productive years at Tennessee, Eric Gray decided to take his talents to Oklahoma in 2021. Unfortunately, he played second fiddle to Kennedy Brooks on an underperforming offense. Regardless, he displayed his all-purpose ability during his collegiate career: 5.1 yards per carry, 83% catch rate, and 9.0 yards per reception. Gray could come in and spell Austin Ekeler whenever needed, limiting the wear and tear on the star RB’s body.
Other alternatives at No. 216: Ali Fayad, EDGE, Western Michigan; Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
Round 6, Pick 220: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
After posting 4 receptions for 61 yards in the FCS National Championship, Christian Watson heads to the Senior Bowl. NDSU’s run-heavy offense didn’t allow Watson to showcase his full potential, which should be scary for NFL defenses. If he puts on a show at the Senior Bowl, don’t expect Watson to fall further than Day 2.
Other alternatives at No. 220: Ronnie Rivers, RB, Fresno State; Jaylen Watson, CB, Washington State
Round 7, Pick 235: Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota
Matt Waletzko is a project tackle, plain and simple. He is a lean 6’7″ and 305 pounds, which won’t stand against bigger edge rushers in the NFL. Yet, the framework is there for a potential swing tackle or sixth lineman with some muscle packed on early in his career. He possesses plus length with decent footwork and hip flexibility. With a seventh-round pick, you can’t ask for much more than Waletzko offers.
Other alternatives at No. 235: Decobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State; Ja’Tyre Carter, OT, Southern
Round 7, Pick 256: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
Montana State made it to the FCS National Championship this year on the backs of their defense. Troy Andersen was the chief of the unit, racking up 147 total tackles. However, the Bobcats’ first-team All-Big Sky linebacker is more than just a stat-sheet stuffer. He has legitimate skill in coverage, experience in the slot (though less this year), and was a first-team run-first QB in the conference in 2018 — talk about versatility.
Other alternatives at No. 256: Reed Blankenship, S, Middle Tennessee; James Houston, LB, Jackson State