This team has very few holes, especially on offense. And while the TE position is solid with Gerald Everett and Donald Parham Jr., why not give Justin Herbert another playmaking target in the middle of the field? Mayer is already a first-round talent, and he could end up improving his stock with a solid 2022 campaign.
Los Angeles is in great shape at the left tackle position. But right tackle? Consider it open season. And, fun fact about Broderick Jones, he played his first snaps on offense at right tackle against South Carolina in 2020.
Jones is a mauler with great athleticism and appears to only be scratching the surface of how good he can be as a player. Methinks that he can be really damn good, even as he embarks on his first season as a starter for the Bulldogs.
The Chargers can get nostalgic for Hall of Fame running back LaDainian's nephew while also filling a key need. Michael Davis is a disappointing outside corner opposite J.C. Jackson and they should look to transition Asante Samuel Jr. there, which would open the door to add an ace slot cover man.
The Chargers have more than $52 million in combined salary cap committed to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in 2024, the final year of their current contracts. In the short term, Johnston would give Justin Herbert another big-play weapon as the 6'4" receiver has 4.4 speed and has averaged 20.0 yards per reception at TCU. Longer term, he has the talent and upside to develop into L.A.'s WR1.
Gilbert is all about potential right now. But the flashes he has shown make his high rating understandable, in case he comes anywhere close to scratching his ceiling in 2022. He has the ability to be a mismatch nightmare for NFL defenses. If Gilbert plays a full season and shows more polish to his game, then he might not be here at this spot next April. But his big frame and legitimate field-stretching ability would make a potential pairing with QB Justin Herbert something to be giddy about. At least for fans of non-AFC West teams.
The Chargers have done a fantastic job at giving Justin Herbert the surroundings it takes to succeed. They have invested at receiver, running back, and offensive line and because of that, Herbert has been one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. The one position where they are average on offense is at tight end, where they lack a clear-cut No. 1 option.
Arik Gilbert is as talented of a tight end prospect as you'll see. He has very good size and rare athleticism. He moves like a receiver and has excellent hands and ball skills. Adding a talent like this to the Chargers' offense would be insane.
Jaelyn Duncan needs to have a remarkable season to earn first-round consideration, but the potential is undeniable. He has the movement skills to mirror edge rushers and the size/length combination to hold them at bay. To receive Day 1 capital, Duncan will need a refined skill set across the 2022 season. Nevertheless, the foundation is there to build on.
At 6-foot-4 and 358 pounds, Ika is a key cog in the middle of the Bears' defense and frees up other players on all three levels. He's nimble for his size, a consistent pressure generator as a pass-rusher on all three downs and a force as a run-defender. The Chargers addressed their struggles up the middle a bit this offseason (signed Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson), but Ika immediately takes that improvement to another level.
