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In the 2022 NFL Draft, the reigning champion Los Angeles Rams prioritized defense while the Chargers focused on linemen on both sides of the ball.
Chargers
Offensive lineman Zion Johnson was the 17th overall pick, acquired by the Chargers. His teammates selected him as team captain during the 2020 season at Boston College. Johnson is a hard worker on and off the field, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in cyber security. Prior to playing football, he was on his high school’s golf team.
“I’ve been in four different offenses,” Johnson said. “For me, the more I’ve learned in those different offenses, the easier it was for me each year to pick up on something new.”
Chargers’ third-round pick JT Woods led the Big 12 in interceptions with six during the 2021 season. During his career, he made 113 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss of 13 yards and 1.0 sack for a loss of 11 yards.
The Chargers added on to their running back corps with Isaiah Spiller. He was named on the All-SEC First Team last season and on the 2019 SEC All-Freshmen team.
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UCLA defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia will continue to wear a powder blue uniform in L.A. During the 2021 season, he made 14 solo tackles, 5.0 tackles for the loss of 19 yards, and two quarterback hits.
Jamaree Salyer earned the Walter Camp All-American second team and the All-SEC Second team as an offensive lineman for Georgia. Defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor made 47 solo tackles, 4.0 tackles for a loss of seven yards, and two interceptions for 48 yards.
Deane Leonard can help the Chargers with his ability to defend. During the 2021 season, he made 30 solo tackles and seven pass breakups. Purdue fullback Zander Horvath had 320 rushing yards and 108 receiving yards.
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Rams
The Rams selected former Wisconsin guard Logan Bruss who started in 25 games out of the 32 games that he competed in. Defensive back Decobie Durant had 32 solo tackles and 12 pass breakups during the 2021 season.
Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams was team captain of the Fighting Irish and was ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Quentin Lake of UCLA made 40 solo tackles and three interceptions for 23 yards.
Derion Kendrick made a season-high of seven tackles against Kentucky. He also executed four interceptions for 14 yards. Linebacker Daniel Hardy had 46 solo tackles and 16.0 sacks for 105 yards during the 2021 season.
Russ Yeast of Kansas State had a season-high of eight hits against the Oklahoma Sooners. Offensive tackle AJ Arcuri was selected to play in the Hula Bowl and the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate All-Star games.
