The Los Angeles Chargers addressed the wide receiver position in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Brenen Thompson 105th overall. After spending 2022 at Texas and 2023 to 2024 at Oklahoma, Thompson transferred to Mississippi State in 2025, during which he posted career highs in receiving, led the SEC in receiving yards, and earned Third-Team All-SEC honors. He hauled in 57 receptions for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. He also posted five drops, gained 243 yards after the catch, went 4-for-12 on contested catches, and 11-for-26 for 478 yards and five touchdowns on attempts over 20 yards.
Brenen Thompson wowed scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a blazing 4.26 40-yard dash, the fastest among participants in 2026. However, he is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 164 pounds and tends to struggle in contested catches and separating against press-man coverage. In his rookie season, Thompson will compete for a spot on the 53-man roster, a spot on the gameday roster, and playing time.
The Los Angeles Chargers have inked the speedster with a 4-year deal
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) looks to the sky before a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl.
On X, the Chargers announced they have signed Brenen Thompson to a four-year rookie contract. Spotracprojects the deal to be worth approximately $5.632 million with a $1.252 million signing bonus. Additionally, they project Thompson’s cap hits to be $1.198 million in 2026, $1.363 million in 2027, $1.478 million in 2028, and $1.593 million in 2029. He also has an opportunity to earn more in Year 4 if he reaches a playing time threshold or makes a Pro Bowl on the original ballot.
made it official ✍️ pic.twitter.com/pOLNGzsv9k
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 18, 2026
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on the speedster
“Thompson is a slightly built, vertical threat with rocket boosters in his shoes. With a career average of 39.8 yards per touchdown catch, there is no denying where his value lives. His acceleration phase is long-lasting, creating easy wins over the top and requiring safety involvement in man coverage. He struggles with traditional, non-vertical routes and finishing contested catches.
“He’s not a catch-and-run specialist underneath but is dangerous crossing the hashes. He’s dealt with injuries dating back to high school, missing significant time in 2023 due to ankle and hamstring ailments. A lack of size and versatility create challenges for his long-term projection, so diversifying his portfolio of offerings might be necessary for him to stick on a roster long-term.”
He projects as an average backup or special-teamer.
More Los Angeles Chargers news