Should the Chargers add Chase Bisontis at pick 22?
The Los Angeles Chargers seem set on drafting Penn State guard Vega Ioane; however, the question still looms, what will they do if he’s off the board? They obviously could opt for another position, whether that’s at wide receiver or defensive line. But, adding a guard should still be in play. CBS analyst Ryan Wilson had a similar vision and selected Texas A&M offensive guard Chase Bisontis at pick 22 in his recent mock draft. While this isn’t many Chargers fans first choice, Bisontis would be an amazing addition and help protect Justin Herbert.
“I gave serious consideration to going DL here, but after the beating Justin Herbert took last season -- not to mention the very real need to find a starting LG -- Bisontis is the choice,” Wilson wrote. “He's a 10-year starter at a position that might not be particularly sexy in Round 1, but is definitely important to keeping your franchise QB upright.”
Herbert was constantly under duress last season, especially in the playoffs. He was sacked six times in their loss to the New England Patriots, and it was the main reason their season ended. On paper, their offensive line looks great, with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater anchoring the tackles. However, a mix of inconsistencies on the interior and injuries sank the group. As a result, an offensive lineman should be at the top of their list in round one.
Chase Bisontis gives the Chargers a reliable option for the foreseeable future
Bisontis’s best trait is his superb athleticism and mauler mentality against the run. He’s able to effortlessly mirror opposing pass rushers and eliminate them from plays. Additionally, his stellar lower body strength helps him anchor against bull rushes, which he frequently faces on the interior.
As a run blocker, Bisontis is dominant. He has a mauler mentality and seeks to flatten his opponent. He has stellar technique and plays with excellent leverage that helps him eliminate defenders from the play. He has iron-clad hands that don’t release a defender, which makes them unable to shed from him.
While Bisontis is an amazing, well-rounded prospect, he’s still not perfect. His footwork in pass protection needs improvement. There are flashes of greatness as he has the needed foot speed, but he can get off-balance, which gives the defender an advantage. Luckily for the Chargers, this is fixable with better coaching.
Overall, Chase Bisontis isn’t viewed as a premier option for the Chargers, but he would be an excellent addition at pick 22. He would help secure a weak position and keep Justin Herbert upright for the foreseeable future. Jim Harbaugh and company shouldn’t panic if Vega Ioane is off the board when Bisontis is undoubtedly available.