Los Angeles Chargers Continue To Build Offensive Line Through The Draft With Zion Johnson’s Selection

The Los Angeles Chargers selected an offensive lineman in the first round for the second straight year, no doubt bringing a smile to quarterback Justin Herbert.

The Chargers took Zion Johnson, a guard from Boston College, with the 17th overall pick in Thursday’s NFL draft.

That comes one spring after wisely snagging left tackle Rashawn Slater, one of the most decorated rookies last year on the line’s most critical spot.

Slater was the 13th overall pick and went on to start all 17 games in a Pro Bowl season. Trusted with securing Herbert’s blindside, Slater was a second-team All-Pro pick.

The 6-foot-2, 312-pound Johnson should be a keen fit on the right side, which has been the side which has missed Chargers general manager Tom Telesco’s positive touch.

Just maybe Johnson can follow Slater’s lead and contribute quickly and efficiently.

Johnson appears primed to do just that after being a five-year starter at Boston College (2019-21) and Davidson (2017-18). What adds to his value were his performances at tackle, which is another sore spot on the Chargers’ right side.

But back to guard and let’s assume Johnson sticks there. His presence puts a band-aid on the signing of Bryan Bulaga before the 2020 season to a three-year, $30 million deal.

Bulaga, after a solid run with the Green Bay Packers, never clicked in L.A. He played in but one game last year because of an ankle injury in the season-opener and in the previous season he was restricted to 10 games.

The Chargers cut him in the offseason, saving $10.7 million against the cap while opening the door for a potential long-term answer in Johnson.

The Chargers focused most of their offseason acquisitions on defense: linebackers Khalil Mack and Troy Reeder, cornerback J.C. Jackson, tackles Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day.

But their first pick in the draft revealed their first priority. That’s protecting Herbert, their record-setting young quarterback.