Chargers at 22: guard upgrade, tackle insurance, and Johnston's value

With the draft near, the Chargers’ No. 22 pick would likely be used to address left guard rather than lock in a pure tackle, unless the prospect can move inside to guard for McDaniel’s outside-zone scheme. Slater and Alt are expected to return, so the focus is depth at guard and tackle insurance; potential guard targets include Olaivavega Ioane, Chase Bisontis, Emmanuel Pregnon, Keylan Rutledge and Gennings Dunker. Trading Johnston for Day-3 picks doesn’t make sense given his cheap contract and upside, though the team will weigh the fifth-year option before May 1. If they don’t add an edge rusher in the draft, post-draft veteran options (Clowney, Jordan, Floyd, Miller) could surface as targets.
- Would Chargers really take a tackle at 22? Is Quentin Johnston a trade candidate? Mailbag The New York Times
- Chargers 2026 Draft Scenario: Cornerback Help in 1st Round? Los Angeles Chargers Website
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Los Angeles Chargers choose offensive lineman Yahoo Sports
- NFL Draft Mailbag: The Biggest Questions for Experts About the Chargers Right Now Sports Illustrated
- Chargers have a forgotten offseason need that could sneakily affect their draft plans Bolt Beat
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