The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2023 NFL Draft with a few needs on the roster. While many people will point to the trenches as their biggest need, specifically along the defensive line, arguably their biggest need is at wide receiver.
When taking a look at their roster, it is hard to imagine why a team that has Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer on their depth chart would need help at wide receiver. But, when taking a deeper dive, the need is evident.
Allen restructured his deal to remain in Los Angeles for 2023. With a cap hit of $34,717,500 and zero guaranteed dollars on his deal, next year, he will almost assuredly be released. The same can be said for Williams, who has a cap hit of $32,460,000 and zero guaranteed dollars in 2024. 2024 is the last season of Palmer’s rookie contract after being a third-round pick in 2021.
Another issue is the fact that that trio struggled to stay on the field together in 2022. Allen played in only 10 games while Willams played in 13 but was hampered in another, essentially missing five straight games in the middle of the season.
Knowing what lies ahead, the Chargers didn’t waste any time in finding a wide receiver. With their first-round pick, No. 21 overall, Los Angeles selected TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
It was a selection that drew some criticism from Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, as he believed Jordan Addison would have been a better fit for Los Angeles. Prisco also believes there were more pressing needs, but there is a lot to like when it comes to Johnston.
He is a big receiver at 6’3”, enabling him to play above the rim with unlimited high-point ability. With his size, Johnston possesses an enormous catch radius combined with plus athleticism. He can stack up cornerbacks creating separation on his route. Screen passes are an area he excels in given his strength to break through arm tackles.
End-arounds are another play he can create plays, showcasing his yards-after-catch ability. That ability also enables him to find success on vertical and intermediate crossing routes, running away from his defender.
His deep-ball success is quite impressive. He can track the ball as well as anyone in this draft class and uses his body to shield off defensive backs, where his size also comes into play. The short area explosiveness that he also possesses is also a weapon.
With Justin Herbert running the offense, Johnston should have plenty of opportunities to contribute right away. The Chargers throw the ball as much as any team in the NFL and now have another weapon to take advantage of in the passing game.
