4 bold predictions for the Chargers' 2022 draft class
By Jason Reed
3. Ja'Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard and Zander Horvath are all instant, positive, special teams contributors
The Chargers have historically had one of the worst special teams units in the entire league and the team took a step in the right direction in 2021. LA was certainly still below-average when it came to the third side of the football but for the first time in what felt like forever, there was actual progress.
That was not enough for the Chargers to keep the coaching staff the same, though, as the Bolts brought in long-time Minnesota Vikings special teams coach Ryan Ficken to be the special teams coordinator.
Ficken is one of the best in the business on the special teams side of the ball and the Chargers have committed to improving that side of the football. The last three picks by the Chargers in the draft further committed to special teams and should produce quality snaps.
Ja'Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard are two athletic defensive backs and while yes, it is true that Staley loves DBs and wants to develop these insanely athletic corners, the team also had the 2022 season in mind as well. Both Taylor and Leonard (more so Taylor) have a lot of value on the special teams side of things because of that athleticism.
Zander Horvath is another athletic specimen that the Chargers drafted. Horvath's athleticism jumps off the charts and while he is naturally a fullback, most of his value, especially early, is going to come on special teams.
Compare these picks to the previous late-round picks before Staley came around when the Chargers drafted guys like Alohi Gilman and K.J. Hill who were more technically sound but were less athletic. Neither guy helped on special teams.
These three certainly will.