Los Angeles Chargers: First Round Targets In The 2022 NFL Draft

Offensive Line Targets

The Los Angeles Chargers have serious needs on the right side of their offensive line. Neither Storm Norton or Trey Pipkins are enough at tackle, and there are serious depth issues with the unit as a whole. If one of the top tackles like Charles Cross, who is rumored to be falling, gets to the Chargers selection, that feels like a easy selection. But, if that doesn’t happen, they will look elsewhere.

Trevor Penning

There’s plenty swirling ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, and one of the rumors is regarding Trevor Penning, who might go higher than expected. It could just be smoke, but Penning’s athletic upside will definitely land him in the first round.

Staley has talked about the run game being important because of the physicality up front, and Penning would fit into that well. He plays with an edge and is a people-mover in the run game. However, as much as the athleticism and upside is there, questions run rampant about his ability in pass protection and some footwork concerns. He gives up a lot of ground and his hand placement needs work. However, round one is full of upside bets in this draft.

Kenyon Green

As much as an interior offensive lineman would be odd here, Kenyon Green does more than just play guard. This past fall, Green played every position but center. He did a very good job at left tackle against Alabama, and more specifically, the wildly talented duo of Dallas Turner and Will Anderson.

Maybe the Chargers believe Green has a future at right tackle, and selecting him would prove that, as the interior class is a deep one. Green’s power to handle bull rushes and succeed in half-man, vision to handle stunts and blitzes, and ability to be physical in the run game make him a potential first round pick.