The offseason has not been friendly to the Los Angeles Chargers receiving corps. The team released Mike Williams, traded Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears, and Jalen Guyton remains a free agent.
Of the four current receivers on the Chargers, the team expects their former first-round pick to make a big jump in year 2.
The Los Angeles Chargers front office expects their 21st overall pick to make a big jump in year 2
Chargers’ general manager Joe Hortiz has confidence in Quentin Johnston and expects him to make a big jump.
“That’s what a lot of rookie seasons look like,” Hortiz said, via the team’s website. “But he flashed some really impressive traits and the good thing is when you’re looking at your roster, you’re looking at it all the time, you’re watching the film all the time. Every time you put on the tape, you see the talent and I expect him to make the jump. I know we have the right coaches to help him make the jump. I feel good about the guys that are here.”
Quentin Johnston had a disappointing rookie season
Johnston had a disappointing rookie season. He started the season as the backup to Mike Williams and saw limited playing time in his first three games.
Johnston’s role expanded after Williams tore his ACL in Week 3. However, an expanded role for Johnston didn’t help him become a reliable number two option. He struggled to fill in for Williams, had many crucial drops, and struggled to create separation.
Johnston played in 17 games, starting ten, and finished the season with 38 receptions on 67 targets for 431 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 0.92 yards per route run, 1.28 yards of target separation, 2.2 receptions per game, 6.4 yards per target, 11.3 yards per reception, and 25.4 yards per game. He also had three drops (a 4.5% drop percentage), a 79.9 passer rating when targeted, and a 58.9 PFF Grade.
Johnston ranked 4th in targets, 4th in receptions, 4th in yards, and 5th in touchdowns on the team.
How did Quentin Johnston compare to other rookie receivers?
For being the second receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, his numbers did not stack well against fellow rookie receivers. He ranked 13th in receptions, 11th in yards, and tied for 13th in touchdowns.
Quentin Johnston is optimistic for 2024
Johnston is optimistic that he can turn it around in year two.
“I didn’t really get a chance to show who I really was and what type of player I am, but I still got the world of confidence in myself even if nobody doesn’t,” Johnston told ESPN. “And so, you know, going into this next season, I can’t wait. Like I said, I feel like I’m due for a breakout, so I’m very excited for that.”
What does the current receiver room look like?
The Chargers’ receiver room is thin, and don’t be surprised if they draft many receivers in the draft.
The four receivers under contract include Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Derius Davis, and Simi Fehoko.
Will Quentin Johnston bounce back in his second season?
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