Justin Herbert is ready for the 2023 season. After some tough injury luck throughout the season, the team was bounced from the playoffs after a historic collapse. The team is clearly trying to surround Herbert with as many weapons as possible. With their first-round pick, they took Quentin Johnston out of TCU. A wide receiver was not a pressing need but they took the player anyway. Herbert had some eye-opening comments about the rookie after the first couple of weeks of minicamp.
Justin Herbert On Quentin Johnston
Johnston is apparently showing out in the first couple of weeks of practice. He was a raw prospect but seems to be adjusted to NFL life well. Herbert had this to say about the rookie receiver.
“He’s a playmaker. He’s going to make a lot of plays for us,” Justin Herbert said in his Wednesday press conference. “He showed up and we knew early that we’ve got a special guy out there. He’s done a great job picking up the offense so far. “He’s young, but he’s going to be something special. So, it’s been fun to watch him so far.” (H/T ProFootballTalk)
Herbert sees that there is a long way to go but the talent is there for him to be something special.
Wide Receiver Injuries
The Chargers usually cannot find a way to keep receivers healthy. Both Keenan Allen and Mike Willaims have an injury history. This means that while Johnston may not be the week 1 starter, there is a good chance that he will be called upon in 2023. Allen and Williams are getting older which means more wear and tear on the body. One of the big problems last year was when those players went down, there was not much behind them. Now, the team has Johnston who is very raw but also very talented.
Justin Herbert is hoping to establish a connection with Quentin Johnston. These two players will likely be together for a long time. If they can build a rapport, they might be one of the next great quarterback and wide receiver pairings in the NFL.