5 biggest LA Chargers draft needs for the 2022 NFL Draft

Biggest LA Chargers draft needs: 2. Right tackle

This is where we start talking about how big a need is vs. which position the Chargers are more likely to select first in the 2022 NFL Draft. If we are talking from a pure needs standpoint, right tackle should probably be number one on the list. Bryan Bulaga is going to be cut to save salary-cap space and Storm Norton is obviously not the answer.

Norton reminded us why that is the case in Week 18 when he was absolutely dominated by Maxx Crosby all game. According to Pro Football Focus, Norton finished with 60 pressures allowed at the right tackle position this season. SIXTY! For those counting at home, that is the second-most in the entire league, only trailing Liam Eichenberg, who played all 17 games. Norton played 15 and a half.

While right tackle is probably the biggest singular need, it is an easier position to fix in free agency than the no. 1 position on this list. There are solid free agents that the team can sign to play the right tackle position whereas the draft class is not as deep at tackle as previous years.

Does this rule out the Chargers drafting a tackle in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft? Absolutely not. If the Bolts do not find their right tackle in free agency, depending who is on the board, the Chargers might pick a right tackle with the 17th pick.

However, even if they don't sign a right tackle, it might be more realistic if the team selects a right tackle in the second round of the draft rather than the first round. This is because the team needs someone truly special with the no. 1 draft need on the team.