Chris Harris Jr. On Quentin Johnston Stepping Up With Mike Williams Gone, "I Think He's More Athletic Than Mike

Former Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. speaks about Quentin Johnston and his capabilities as a receiver.

The Los Angeles Chargers will have to rebuild their WR room after the team cut Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen. As it stands, the team has Joshua Palmer, Simi Fehoko, and former rookie Quentin Johnston left on the roster. 

Johnston was picked in the 2023 NFL Draft as the Chargers first-round pick. He has since not impressed many analysts, though it was just his first season. Johnston was initially pulled into action when Williams and Allen got hurt, though he was initially supposed to be used sparingly. 

Johnston secured 431 yards and 2 TDs, and everyone has questioned if he can be a star in this league. Former Charger cornerback Chris Harris Jr. believes he can be, especially given his athleticism. 

"Well, really, I think he's more athletic than Mike. Really. You know, when you talk about speed, athleticism, Quentin definitely has it. But Mike just, you know, he's great. His radius, right? His wingspan is built so he can catch those 50/50 balls, you know its just different. I think Mike might be a little bit bigger. I don't know."

via Chris Harris Jr., Bleav in Chargers

Both Williams and Johnston are big-bodied receivers, but it could be that Johnston was misused. He should be more of an intermediate YAC type of receiver, whereas Williams was the deep ball threat. 

Johnston is also only a year into the NFL and it takes players time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. Especially since in college, the physicality is nowhere near as tough as it is at the professional level. 

"But the thing with Johnson is that you have to get used to the league. Right. and the league is different from a standpoint as in college, you might have more free access, right? Guys are scared of you, right, in college. So they're not going to get up on the line, and press you all game."

via Chris Harris Jr., Bleav in Chargers

Johnston has experienced his first year in the NFL and he could easily come back and have a breakout second year. The Chargers are likely to select someone like Malik Nabers at pick #5, and it will give the team two young WRs. 

They should pick another proven veteran up in free agency to complement this young room. However, with Johnston's physicality being where it is, he could easily become WR1.