Austin Johnson says he can pull his weight anywhere on Chargers defensive line

He was introduced in to assist enhance the run protection, a much bigger physique with intentions of clogging issues inside … after which some.

“Simply being stout within the center,” Austin Johnson stated, “making performs, operating sideline to sideline.”

Signed by the Chargers final week as a free agent, Johnson was launched to the native media Wednesday through video name.

Highlights of that dialog plus a pair different tidbits from a day that noticed Chargers nemesis Tyreek Hill traded some 1,500 miles out of the AFC West.

Huge and moveable: After buying Johnson, coach Brandon Staley stated versatility was one factor that made the veteran defensive lineman interesting.

Johnson defined that he lined up primarily at nostril guard final season with the New York Giants but additionally stated he performed as huge as outdoors the offensive sort out at instances.

“I really feel prefer it’s very simple for me to adapt to no matter place I must be in,” he stated. “Wherever they wish to put me that’s the place I’ll play.”

The Chargers added Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day in free company to exchange the departing Linval Joseph and Justin Jones. The newcomers are listed at a mixed 624 kilos and each stand 6-foot-4.

So the Chargers try to beef up throughout the center in a extra balanced method, even with the lack of the 6-4, 329-pound Joseph. Jones was taking part in at underneath 290 by the top of final season.

The one returning starter upfront, Jerry Tillery, is 6-6 and listed at 295.

Given a chance: Johnson is coming off his most efficient season — by rather a lot. He completed with 72 tackles, seven quarterback hits and 3½ sacks, all profession bests. He additionally performed a single-season-high 57% of his staff’s defensive snaps.

Coming into 2021, Johnson had began 13 instances over six seasons. He began all 17 video games final season.

As a move rusher, hereceived his highest annual grade by Professional Soccer Focus. However PFF additionally gave Johnson his lowest grades for a season towards the run and total.

Nonetheless, he clearly was valued by the Chargers, who signed Johnson to a two-year contract guaranteeing him $10.625 million. Earlier than this deal, he was assured barely lower than $6 million over his profession.

“There’s no adverse issues concerning the group in any respect,” Johnson stated of his new employers. “You’ll be able to’t actually go fallacious by selecting the Chargers.”

Arms race takes step backward: Khalil Mack, Davante Adams and Russell Wilson are among the many large names that this offseason have joined the AFC West, prompting some observers to invest concerning the division’s all-time prowess.

However Kansas Metropolis halted the momentum by dealing Hill to Miami for 5 draft picks, taking a really important weapon from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Hill has appeared in 11 video games towards the Chargers and scored touchdowns in seven of them. He has caught passes for at the least 75 yards in 5 of these conferences.

The Chargers signed Professional Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson this month particularly to match up towards receivers corresponding to Hill. Jackson nonetheless may have that likelihood with the Chargers scheduled to host the Dolphins in 2022.

Mocking it: The Chargers have 10 picks within the draft subsequent month, barring any extra buying and selling. However, contemplating the best way this NFL offseason is unfolding, extra buying and selling is at all times a risk.

Their first choice is ready to reach at No. 17. The most recent nationwide mock drafts have the Chargers taking offensive line, huge receiver, defensive position, edge rusher or cornerback. So not a lot consensus at this level.

Among the many gamers talked about: offensive linemen Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa), Kenyon Inexperienced (Texas A&M) and Bernhard Raimann (Central Michigan); huge receivers Chris Olave (Ohio State) and Jameson Williams (Alabama); defensive linemen Devonte Wyatt (Georgia), Jordan Davis (Georgia) and Travon Walker (Georgia); edge rusher George Karlaftis (Purdue) and cornerback Trent McDuffie (Washington).

This area has the Chargers drafting a speedy huge receiver however, not like the previous couple years, forecasting this decide will not be clear. Justin Herbert and Rashawn Slater have been a lot simpler to venture.

Up subsequent: Tight finish Gerald Everett is the lone notable Chargers addition who has but to satisfy with the media that cowl the staff. His free-agent deal grew to become official Tuesday.

The Chargers additionally signed two specialists — punter JK Scott and lengthy snapper Josh Harris — this week.

Among the many strikes the Chargers haven’t made is kick returner. Free agent Andre Roberts is the incumbent and stays out there.