The LA Chargers had a 2022 draft that addressed many of their biggest needs. They addressed many of their biggest needs. The additions of players such as Zion Johnson, JT Woods, and Isaiah Spiller will be felt almost immediately.
But it is the player that the Chargers took in the sixth round that could end up proving to be the best value.
With pick number 195, the LA Chargers selected Georgia offensive guard, Jamaree Salyer.
Heading into the draft, it was widely believed that Salyer would be selected somewhere on day two. Many people had him ranked as one of the top interior offensive line prospects in the entire draft. Clearly many teams didn't see him as that caliber of player, leading him to fall to the sixth round.
Salyer was among the best offensive lineman in college during his time at Georgia. Over the past four seasons, he moved around the offensive line consistently, recording snaps at all five spots at all five positions.
Over the past four seasons, Salyer played a total of 1,600 snaps with 794 of these snaps coming on passing downs. In his time on the field, he allowed just 14 total pressures and one single sack. He finished the 2021 season with a pass-blocking grade of 86.8, according to PFF. It is worth noting that Salyer was able to be this consistent even while playing in an SEC conference that boasted several defensive players in this year's draft.
While 22 of Salyer’s 23 career starts games at the tackle positions, it is widely believed that he’ll be most successful on the interior in the NFL. At 6-3 and 321 pounds, he has the size to play either guard or center. Given how productive he was in college, there's no reason that he won't be able to excel in the NFL.
Salyer also has the opportunity to make his impact felt relatively early. It is not unrealistic to think that he could earn a starting job heading into this season. The Chargers have addressed their offensive line in a big way over the past couple of seasons. They have also made it clear that protecting Justin Herbert is their number one priority.
Between last year's additions of Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley, and this year's addition of Zion Johnson, the Chargers have already solidified three of their five spots on the offensive line. Tackle Storm Norton and guard Matt Feiler have both struggled at times when they are on the field. Salyer potentially beating one of them out for their spot isn't impossible, especially if they struggle at any point.
MUST-READ: 15 greatest draft picks in Chargers history
Even if he doesn't earn starting duties in his rookie year, he could still serve as a solid rotational piece. He is a pro-ready talent that could quickly become an important part of this offensive line. Even if his presence isn't felt in year one, he has the opportunity to be a productive starter at some point in the future.