Should the LA Chargers draft punter Matt Araiza in the 2022 NFL Draft?
By Jason Reed
The LA Chargers are heading into an immensely important offseason with a lot of cap space to spend and a fair number of holes to fill on the roster. The Bolts are going to have to maneuver both free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft in order to put together a complete roster that can contend in Justin Herbert's rookie contract window.
One position that is getting overlooked is the punter position. Ty Long has been fine as a punter (he is one of the best in the league at faking contact on a punt) but he is a restricted free agent this offseason. With the Chargers bringing in a new special teams coordinator, the team could change at the position.
That absolutely could be the case if the Chargers are eye-balling San Diego State punter, Matt Araiza. Araiza is the most interesting punter prospect that has hit the draft in quite some time and there is a good chance that he gets picked in the draft. The guy kicks bombs and will probably be the best punter in the league in no time.
The LA Chargers could consider drafting Matt Araiza in the 2022 NFL Draft.
General manager Tom Telesco spoke to the media on Thursday and was asked about Araiza in the draft. Telesco seemingly showed some interest in Araiza, which could open the door for the Bolts to take him in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Tom Telesco asked about punter value and Matt Araiza:
— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) January 20, 2022
"They're valuable because they flip the field. He's a unique punter and we're looking forward to doing more work on him. Really interesting player."
Telesco was the director of player personnel in 2009 when the Indianapolis Colts selected Pat McAfee in the seventh round. McAfee has since stated that Telesco was the reason why he was drafted by the Colts at all. Telesco also drafted Drew Kaser in the 2016 NFL Draft, so there is precedent there for Telesco to take a punter in the draft.
But should the Chargers do it? To try and come to a conclusion to answer that question, we are breaking down the reasons for and the reasons against the Chargers potentially drafting Matt Araiza in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Let's jump into the reasons for.