Chargers' 2022 Draft Class Report Card: How Each Rookie Performed in Training Camp and the Preseason

How did the Chargers' rookie class fare during training camp and the preseason?

Author:
Nicholas Cothrel
Publish date:
Aug 27, 2022 2:13 PM EDT

In this story:

The Chargers have completed 19 training camp practices and three preseason games. While evaluations are on-going up and down the roster, the last four weeks provided coaches with their first look at how the 2022 draft class is shaping up.

Here's a look at the Chargers' draft class report card based on training camp and preseason play:

RG Zion Johnson

Grade: A

The Chargers selected Zion Johnson with the No. 17 overall pick with the vision for him being a plug-and-play guard. Through the early goings of camp and limited action in preseason games, he looks cutout for the billing to hold down the fort at right guard. Certainly, he's had a few rookie mistakes over the last four weeks, but Johnson's pure strength and football intelligence is quite obvious.

S JT Woods

Grade: C-

The speed in which JT Woods has to offer is, indeed, track star worthy. The Chargers have hope that he'll be able to navigate the last line of defense on the backend of the defense. But before doing so, Woods will need to prove that he's a fundamentally sound tackler. There's been instances where ball-carriers are able to push through Woods and that causes reason for concern given that he could be on an island in the open field needing to make a tackle in order to prevent a touchdown.

RB Isaiah Spiller

Grade: B

The Chargers' battle in camp for the second running back spot has been uber competitive. Third-round pick Isaiah Spiller has held his own, working alongside Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree for the primary backup role. Spiller has shown a little bit of everything, from running in and outside the tackles, to pass-catching and how he holds up in pass protection. He's looked solid in just about each facet of his game. He is, however, dealing with an ankle injury, and is considered week-to-week.

DL Otito Ogbonnia

Grade: B

Otito Ogbonnia was among the many interior defensive lineman the Chargers added this offseason. For a position that haunted them far too often last year, the depth entering this season is quite noticeable. Ogbonnia has worked mainly with the second and third-team defense, but the coaching staff has occasionally worked him in with the first unit to give him looks at what it's like to face NFL starters. While Ogbonnia isn't the flashiest player, he's been a sound run-stopper in the middle of the Chargers' defensive line.

OL Jamaree Salyer

Grade: A

An offensive tackle in his final year at Georgia, Jamaree Salyer has played guard at a high level throughout the 11-on-11 portion of practices and during preseason play. Salyer has looked stout enough against the run and pass that he might have penciled himself in as the team's swing guard. Granted, most of his reps have come at left guard throughout the last four weeks, but versatility is a big component of his skill set.

CB Ja'Sir Taylor

Grade: A

Ja'Sir Taylor has not looked like a sixth-round pick in any facet. What he's brought to the team from the start of camp to the final preseason game has been superior production. Taylor, who can play outside and inside, has received the bulk of his looks from the slot. He's also proved to be a willing tackler, offering support near the line of scrimmage against the run. While he probably won't see a lot of playing time at cornerback initially when the season begins, he's a candidate on special teams to be one of the gunners.

CB Deane Leonard

Grade: D+

Deane Leonard has had moments of showing encouraging signs in camp, but it's clear that he's a developmental prospect. Leonard has came up empty on a few crucial missed tackles and has had instances of being out of sorts in coverage.

FB Zander Horvath

Grade: B

The selection of a fullback to conclude the Chargers' draft class was quite shocking. But when seeing how versatile Zander Horvath is, it makes a lot of sense. Horvath isn't cut from the traditional mold of a blocking style fullback. He has adequate speed, sound hands as a pass-catcher and contributes on special teams. He's taken most of the first-team snaps at fullback the last two weeks, insinuating he's likely won the job over Gabe Nabers.

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Nick Cothrel is the publisher of Charger Report. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickCothrel for more Chargers coverage.