Los Angeles Chargers select Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson in 2022 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Boston College offensive guard Zion Johnson, who transferred from Davidson in 2019, with the No. 17 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After establishing himself as one of the best interior offensive linemen in the class, he performed well throughout the offseason.

At 6-foot-3, 312-pounds, Zion Johnson entered the 2022 NFL Draft after winning All-American honors at guard and starting one game at left tackle. Although offensive lineman do not fill the stat sheet, his wide frame stood out on film for the Golden Eagles after his move to the FBS level.

A former unranked recruit in the 2017 recruiting class per the On3 Consensus, he made a name for himself at the FCS level and defied then defied projections in the Power Five. The Upper Marlboro, Maryland native played high school football at Riverdale Baptist High School before emerging as a true prospect over the past five seasons.

NFL draft analysts on Zion Johnson

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein broke down what Zion Johnson can bring to the NFL in his recent scout of the offensive lineman’s draft profile. The analyst compared the Boston College product to former Pro Bowl offensive guard Larry Warford, who played seven NFL seasons before retiring in the midst of a spring of postseason honors.

The NFL.com scout pointed out that his unique frame makes him well built to transition to the NFL at guard, making him a plug and play interior lineman as a rookie.

“The phrase “phone booth guard” was made for Johnson thanks to his wide, girthy frame and immense playing power,” wrote Zierlein. “Johnson has experience at tackle, but he’s clearly an interior blocker on the next level. He has knock-back pop at the point of attack with the ability to win the block in a test of strength.”