After months of speculation about who the LA Chargers would take with the 17th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft we got our answer: guard Zion Johnson. This is a commitment by the Chargers to continue to protect Justin Herbert as the Bolts got arguably the best guard in the entire class.
While we here at Bolt Beat thought the team was going to go cornerback, especially with Trent McDuffie still on the board at 17, the Chargers taking Johnson was by no means a bad surprise. This gives the team offensive line flexibility and another anchor to protect Herbert moving forward.
For the most part, it seemed that Chargers Twitter had a similar reaction to us here at Bolt Beat. With the NFL Draft being one of the most exciting events in the year for fans, we thought it would be fitting to share some reactions of the Johnson pick from Twitter.
Chargers Twitter reacts to Zion Johnson selection:
First, we want to pay an homage to those fans that do feel the same way as we do and like the selection by Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley.
Love it. Commitment to the offensive line is something we haven't had for DECADES.
— 2002kychargerfan21 (@02kychargerfan) April 29, 2022
Cost to protect Herbie? PRICELESS
— Dr. Bolt (@drstorm13) April 29, 2022
W!!! Protect Herbert at all cost ⚡️
— ernie. (@ayooernie) April 29, 2022
The Chargers were at a crossroads with this selection, especially when it comes to taking an offensive lineman. Still on the board was tackle Trevor Penning, who was not someone who fans wanted to see the Bolts draft leading into Thursday.
Penning has a lot of potential as a tackle but he has to develop as a player and that does not put the Bolts in a much better position than if they just started Storm Norton or Trey Pipkins. There was some worry that Penning was going to be the pick and some relief from the fanbase when it was Johnson instead.
Pretty good. Would’ve loved Wyatt still on the board, but also glad we didn’t reach for Penning.
— Bryzzo Souvenir Co. (@isubucks) April 29, 2022
better than penning. preferred mcduffie but i get it.
— El Tigre. (@ScriptRivers) April 29, 2022
While you could make the case for the Chargers to take McDuffie in that spot (or several other defensive players) Tom Telesco has always been someone who drafts best player available. Both defensive back and guard were a need for the team and it is clear by this selection that they had Johnson over McDuffie on their board.
However, it would not be a Chargers Twitter reactions piece (or an NFL Draft, for that matter) if there were not fans who disagreed with the move and wanted something else. \
Linebacker!!! Which very few fans here seem to care about
— Marco Pinedo (@Chi11yWi11y) April 29, 2022
Not great wanted mcduffie
— Andreasoliver (@Andreasoliver12) April 29, 2022
And of course, shout out to friend of Bolt Beat Steven Haglund, who was the first one on the #ZionJohnsonAt17 train.
MANIFESTATION!!!!
— #ZionJohnsonAt17 (@StevenIHaglund) April 29, 2022