Los Angeles Chargers 2022 7-Round Mock Draft: Major Run Defense Help

Round 1, 17th Overall: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

It’s clear that the Los Angeles Chargers need to get better against the run. Plenty of Chargers mock drafts will have Jordan Davis be the selection here, as he’s a great two-gapper who can take on double teams, stack and shed, and give up no ground. But here, we go with a different approach.

The Chargers have other positions of need, particularly at linebacker, (potentially) wide receiver, and on the edge. Let’s focus on the edge here, which lacks a true presence opposite Bosa. Yes, Uchenna Nwosu has shown flashes, but in terms of getting your hand in the dirt and holding up against the run, an upgrade is necessary.

Jermaine Johnson II would be a very good pick. He might not be in the top tier of edge rushers in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he’s a very good player nonetheless. Johnson transferred to Florida State from Georgia for the 2021 season, and played some great football. He reached 12 sacks and had 17.5 tackles for loss on the year, excellent numbers for anyone on the edge.

What stands out with Johnson is how well he defends the run. He’s stout to hold the edge, and has quick and violent hands to shed blockers. He has some quickness off the edge along with good hand usage at contact to counter tackles.