5 trade-up candidates for the LA Chargers in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Ryan Harris
5. Garrett Wilson - WR - Ohio State
Some people may think that the Chargers do not need another wide receiver. They have Keenan Allen, newly re-signed Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer who had a respectable rookie year, and Jalen Guyton who Herbert loves throwing deep passes to.
The truth is, Keenan Allen is under contract until 2024, and based on how many people are being paid in the organization, as well as Justin Herbert's max extension coming up, there may not be enough cap to re-sign Allen to what we can only assume to be a big deal. With that, this draft may contain the perfect class to find a wide receiver that can be developed behind all-stars with an all-star quarterback.
Garrett Wilson is one of the most promising receivers in this year's class. With the ACL injury of Jameson Williams, Wilson may top him in some rankings. His blistering speed, as shown with his 4.38 40 yard dash in the combine, is something the Chargers could exploit.
One of Wilson's biggest disadvantages is his route running. Luckily, Keenan Allen has been recognized league-wide as one of the best route runners. Learning from Keenan for at least two years could transform Wilson into a similar player off the line of scrimmage.
Garrett Wilson's big-play ability and potential to take over a game is second to none. According to ESPN, Wilson's last three games for Ohio State, he tallied 27 receptions for 371 yards and six touchdowns. There are an unlimited amount of ways that Wilson can impact the game, and any team would be more than lucky to be able to draft him.
Where exactly will Garrett Wilson go?
Most reports show Wilson falling near the end of the first round. In the same situation as Daniel Faalele, Telesco could either trade their first-round pick back or potentially trade a couple of picks later in the draft to acquire a higher pick. An instant starter would put together one of the best WR trios in the league with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Garrett Wilson.
With the 2022 NFL Draft still a month away, it is uncertain what else will take place in free agency. Tom Telesco has always been able to know when players are going to pan out in the NFL, especially those taken in earlier rounds.
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If he decides to trade up for a player, there is going to be a lot of excitement and a lot of close eyes to see how he performs. Put the first day of the NFL Draft, April 28th, 2022, on your calendars for just as much excitement as this year's free agency already has been.