Quentin Johnston
Getty
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
The Chargers were able to hit the jackpot with the selection of wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldog hauled in over 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns in his rookie season in Los Angeles.
Looking to get more out of the receiving options, the Bolts brought in multiple receivers in the offseason through free agency and the draft.
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker names Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston as a player who needs a strong preseason.
“The Chargers took a chance on Johnston in the first round two years ago, and the results have not materialized the way either party would have hoped. With Johnston set to begin his third pro season, his margin for error is that much slimmer,” Locker wrote. “On the heels of a poor first season, Johnston displayed some growth with a 68.2 PFF receiving grade and 1.63 yards per route run in 2024. Still, he dropped 9.8% of targets — nearly double that of his rookie season — and sits in the 3rd percentile in separation rate since he joined Los Angeles.”
“The Chargers picked Ole Miss receiver Tre Harris in the second round as they search for viable pass-catchers next to standout Ladd McConkey. The team reunited with Keenan Allen on Tuesday, too. Ultimately, Johnston has the chance to quiet doubters and enter 2025 in pole position if he better resembles the explosive, field-stretching weapon we saw at TCU as soon as this preseason.”
Wide Receiver Room
Quentin Johnston
GettyQuentin Johnston is entering his third season with the LA Chargers
After a lackluster rookie season, Quentin Johnston was able to improve his stats last season. The wide receiver recorded 711 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns — almost doubling his yardage and four times as many TDs from his rookie year.
Entering his second year with head coach Jim Harbaugh, Johnston can develop his game and see a 1,000-yard season.
With the additions of receivers, Johnston has to show in preseason that he should be higher on the Chargers’ depth chart.
The wide receiver dropped the ball 7 times last season. If he were to reduce his drop rate, he could see more production and better stats.
With Keenan Allen returning to the Chargers, who already has chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert, it could bump Johnston to the WR3 spot.
Rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith would have to work their way up in the position group, but could make their way up with good performances during the preseason.
Jim Harbaugh on Quentin Johnston
Quentin Johnston Jim Harbaugh
GettyLA Chargers WR Quentin Johnston (left) and head coach Jim Harbaugh (right)
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had faith in Quentin Johnston when the coach arrived in Los Angeles for his first season with the team.
Harbaugh believed the wide receiver got a bad rap in his rookie season.
“I look at some of the clips coming out of training camp last year. Whatever it was, it just seemed like in somebody’s mind he was a disappointment. He hasn’t been that at all in my eyes,” Harbaigh said of Johnston, via Rams Wire.
A season later, Johnston was able to improve his stat numbers. Getting more years under his belt, Johnston could blossom and become a reliable player for the Bolts.