Los Angeles Chargers offensive guard Zion Johnson is moving back to his natural position at left guard this year, and he will now be playing between Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley. That trio on the left side of the offensive line could turn into a scary weapon for the Chargers as they attempt to improve their rushing attack. "We're building this left side that is going to have some tremendous strength behind it," new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said. Johnson was the 17th overall pick in last year's draft, and he started all 17 games in his first NFL campaign at right guard. Theoretically, the 23-year-old moving back to his natural position will make him more comfortable and more effective.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed first-round offensive guard Zion Johnson to his four-year rookie deal on Friday. The Chargers took Johnson with the No. 17 overall pick in this year's draft out of Boston College. The 22-year-old was considered to be one of the best offensive guards in this year's class, and he'll help protect rising young quarterback Justin Herbert in 2022 and beyond. Johnson started 49 of 58 college games and earned conference recognition in his final four years. He was a first-team All-America selection and was named to the first team in the Atlantic Conference at Boston College last year.
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday night. The Chargers have had offensive-line issues for years, so hopefully Johnson will help solidify their blocking up front for the run and the pass. He was a three-year starter and was an All-ACC player in each of his three years in college. Johnson was the National Team MVP at the Senior Bowl. His game is based off power and leverage on the offensive line, but he'll need to get better at diagnosing defensive schemes and blitzes if he wants to be successful in the NFL. But Johnson is an incredibly athletic offensive guard that has starting experience at left guard and left tackle. He should be a Day 1 starter for the Bolts at an interior guard position.
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