The 2022 NFL Draft rumor mill is in full swing with the big night just days away. While teams are certainly posturing to send up smoke screens ahead of the NFL Draft, some actual intentions can be gleaned by reading the tea leaves that are NFL rumors. We’re going to combine our expert consensus first-round mock NFL Draft, the latest picks from our NFL analysts, our team needs for each NFL squad, and the latest NFL rumors to try to determine what teams will do during the 2022 NFL Draft. Below, we’ll check and see what the Los Angeles Chargers will continue to surround franchise quarterback Justin Herbert with talent at the wide receiver position.
- Eagles Draft Rumors: Chris Olave, Drake London, Jameson Williams
- Steelers Draft Rumors: Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett
- Commanders Draft Rumors: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams
- Vikings Draft Rumors: Garrett Wilson, Drake London
2022 NFL Draft Team Needs
Andrew Erickson shares team needs for all 32 teams ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has the following for the Chargers:
- Team Needs: WR, OL, LB
Latest 2022 NFL Draft Rumors
Marco Pavoloni (@MAPavoloni) of The Rumor Mill Mock Draft provides the latest in the world of 2022 NFL Draft rumors.
The Chargers are in a bit of a tough spot this year, because a lot of the teams picking around them (and particularly before them) have similar needs.
Specifically, the Eagles at 15, and the Saints at 16, could snipe one of the Chargers’ top options.
There’s plenty of buzz that the Chargers might be interested in a receiver.
Jordan Schultz, on 4/8, tweeted: “#Chargers, I’m told, would love to add speed to their receiving core in the draft. Two WRs I know they like are Christian Watson and Chris Olave.”
Cole Topham from ChargersWire chimed in, “Ohio State WR Chris Olave could fit right in and increase the potency of the Chargers’ aerial attack.”
Zach Gelb, on 4/27, after an interview with Olave, tweeted: “@chrisolave_ tells me he has talked to the Packers a lot. Also mentions the Commanders, Eagles, Saints and Chargers.
So the Chargers definitely seem like they’re in the mix. But they may have to trade above the Eagles and Saints to get him—and that’s if the Commanders, who are rumored to love Olave, don’t pounce on him at 11.
So what about Burks?
As early as 3/2, Gavino Borquez wrote, “The Chargers are one of the few teams that Arkansas WR Treylon Burks mentioned he has met with.”
And Peter Schrager sends Treylon Burks to the Chargers in his second mock.
But since the early stages of draft season, the buzz on Burks to the Chargers has cooled a bit. This may coincide with the fact that I’ve noticed most sharp mocks slotting Burks into the mid-twenties rather than the mid-teens.
Bottom line: Chargers may be picking a little late for Olave, and a little early for Burks. Both of those situations could be remedied with a trade.
Consensus First-Round NFL Mock Draft
Our consensus mock draft feels like LA will support OL, with Zion Johnson having the highest probability of selection (33%). Still, Olave checks in as the third consensus choice at 16%.
Our analysts
Freedman’s final mock draft:
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning (OT – Northern Iowa)
The Chargers cut tackle Bryan Bulaga and let guard Michael Schofield leave in free agency, so they need help on the right side of the offensive line.
Each year, there’s usually an FCS player who finds his way into the first round after a distinguished college career. In 2022, that guy could be Penning, who was a Walter Payton Award finalist in his final season.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Kaiir Elam (CB – Florida)
The Chargers don’t have many roster holes to fill outside adding additional depth across the offensive line and at wide receiver. Tulsa offensive tackle Tyler Smith is enticing here, but L.A. has been connected to cornerbacks throughout the pre-draft process. Considering the AFC West figures to be just one giant shootout you can’t go wrong with a stud cornerback.
The Florida Gator allowed the nation’s third-lowest passer rating when targeted (18.3) as a true freshman in 2019. Facing SEC wide receivers for three straight seasons – along with 4.4 speed – will translate well into the NFL.
FantasyPros Mock Drafts
Andrew Erickson:
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 5.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 6.0
Matthew Freedman:
- Version 1: Post-free agency
- Version 2: Post-Eagles & Saints trade
- Version 3: Mid-April
- Version 4: 10 days away
- Version 5: Seven days away
- Version 6: Week of the Draft
- Version 7: Day Before the Draft
Derek Brown:
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