Chargers dream mock draft: What a perfect first 3 picks looks like
By Jason Reed
3. The LA Chargers select Phidarian Mathis at 123
The Chargers should still be looking to add one more interior defensive lineman to the team and should do so in the 2022 NFL Draft. While a lot of fans love the idea of Jordan Davis in LA (I prefer Devonte Wyatt), there is a good chance that the team instead waits to take the position in the draft.
Travis Jones is an intriguing day two prospect that could fall to the team but if the Bolts wait even longer than that then the best option to take would be Alabama's Phidarian Mathis. Mathis is PFF's 107th ranked prospect and The Draft Network's 135th ranked prospect, so he is absolutely in the Bolts' range at 123.
With Austin Johnson being a versatile piece on the inside and Sebastian Joseph-Day likely offering a nose tackle presence, a player like Mathis may fit the Chargers' defensive line more so than a player like Davis. Mathis' skillset is perfectly suited to be a 3-tech in a 3-4 defense and that is the one spot that the team needs.
He does not have anywhere close to the ceiling as a run defender as Davis but he is still a capable run defender who should provide quality, above-average snaps against the run. He certainly would be a better option than Jerry Tillery in run downs.
MUST-READ: Ranking all 14 of the Chargers' 2022 opponents
Mathis also has value as a pass-rusher. While he is not going to be elite in that area right away, he is someone who could legitimately play on any down, providing value as a rotational piece to cover holes or as a starter that plays 80% of the defensive snaps.