Not every first-round pick is destined for failure after a slow start to their career. Just ask LA Chargers guard Zion Johnson, who was written off as a draft bust but has quietly rewritten his own narrative during the 2025 season.
Johnson, whose fifth-year option was declined by the Chargers in the offseason, entered the 2025 season with something to prove. Three mediocre seasons were in his rearview mirror and with another, he wouldn't have even been a starter in 2026 (with or without the Chargers).
Knowing the task at hand, Johnson has risen to the occasion despite the offensive line around him collapsing. While the overall play on the offensive line has been woeful because of injuries, Johnson has held his own. He's more than just held his own, though, he has legitimately been a top-10 guard in the sport through six weeks.
Through 6 games, Zion Johnson is in the top 10 in PFF’s pass blocking efficiency rating among qualified guard and ESPN’s run block win rate rankings among all qualified interior offensive linemen. pic.twitter.com/AjMLS5svBc
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) October 15, 2025
Zion Johnson is doing what Chargers fans thought was impossible
The book was already written on Johnson. He was a failed first-round pick who could not elevate above being a mediocre guard. Heck, we here at Bolt Beat are certainly guilty of co-signing this narrative as there was little faith in the Boston College product heading into the season. Bozeman's 47.2 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 47th among 49 NFL centers.
Thankfully, Johnson has been the one bright spot for a tumultuous offensive line.
That makes his play even more impressive, though. Johnson has not gotten the benefit of playing alongside Rashawn Slater or Joe Alt this season. Heck, he isn't even getting the benefit of playing next to a quality center. While Johnson has gotten better, Bradley Bozeman has only gotten worse.
Johnson has played just as many games next to Austin Deculus as he has Joe Alt. And while Deculus has struggled mightily, Johnson has at least held his own.
This is not to say that Johnson has been perfect, and it's fair for Chargers fans to demand a larger sample size before buying into any wholesale change narrative. However, if Johnson continues this level of play throughout the 2025 season, the Chargers will be left with an interesting decision at left guard.
Before the season, it seemed inevitable that the Chargers would move on from Johnson and find a new starting left guard, whether that be in the draft or in free agency. But if he has a great season, the Chargers may prefer to keep the internal option they have rather than take a risk on someone externally who may or may not work out.
Either way, Johnson's breakout season has become an exciting throughline for the 2025 season, and is bound to create some interesting conversations come March.