3 positions the Chargers should avoid in the first round of 2022 NFL Draft

2. Linebacker

Linebacker could be a potential need for the Chargers in the 2022 NFL Draft if Kyzir White signs with another team and the Bolts are unable to replace him. However, the linebacker position is so thin without White that he becomes a must re-sign. If the Chargers do not sign White then they better be aggressive in free agency to replace him.

Simply put, the Chargers cannot head into the 2022 NFL Draft without White or an adequate replacement for him at inside linebacker. There are so many other needs on this roster, especially if the team is going to play to Brandon Staley's vision, that they cannot create another pressing need in free agency.

Could linebacker be a mid-round pick for the Chargers? Absolutely. Nothing with getting more depth and getting some insurance in case Drue Tranquill takes a step back and Kenneth Murray continues to struggle. But if the Bolts pick a linebacker in the first round then there is a problem.

There are some really promising linebackers in this draft class that could intrigue the Chargers. Devin Lloyd is uber-talented and has been falling in mock drafts as other prospects emerge. Once a top-10 prospect, there is a world in which Lloyd falls to the Bolts at 17. If not Lloyd there are other intriguing players such as Nakobe Dean that could be on the board at 17.

Unless the Chargers somehow have an absolutely perfect free-agent period and fill every other starting hole on the team, linebacker just is not a good value pick.