Chargers former first-round pick to return to familiar position

Johnson is expected to play left guard in 2023, as noted by Daniel Popper of The Athletic (subscription required). That was his most effective position at Boston College, and moving back to it (after spending his rookie campaign at right guard) will pair him with Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater on the left side of Los Angeles’ offensive front.

In 2022, Johnson was an immediate RG starter and logged 1,184 snaps. The 23-year-old allowed five sacks and 40 pressures, however, leading to an underwhelming pass blocking PFF grade. His evaluation in the run game was better, though, and playing between Slater and former All-Pro center Corey Linsley could result in a signficant step forward in Year 2 for Johnson. Expectations will be high for the latter after the Chargers used the No. 17 selection on him in 2022.

Johnson was not a full participant in minicamp, Popper adds, meaning a minor injury occurred in the spring. The 6-foot-3, 313-pounder is expected to be fully healthy in time for training camp next month, however, which will set him up for a season in which he will be a key member of the Chargers’ offense. That unit was among the league’s best in terms of passing production last season, but they struggled mightily on the ground with an average of just 89.6 rushing yards per contest.

Overall, the Chargers’ projected starting O-line, based on spring practices, consists of Slater, Johnson, Linsley, 2022 LT fill-in Jamaree Salyer at right guard and Trey Pipkins at right tackle. If healthy, that group could put together a strong campaign and prove the team’s commitments in them to be fruitful, and Johnson figures to have a central role in that regard. His attention will be on recovery in the coming weeks, and a transition to a new (NFL) position overall heading into the 2023 campaign.