Veteran Chargers WRs Welcomed Their Rookie WR With Open Arms
Your Los Angeles Chargers' newest wide receiver, Quentin Johnston, enjoyed a warm reception from some LA colleagues after GM Tom Telesco selected him with the No. 21 pick in this year's draft. The Texas Christian University product, 21, was a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection while with the Horned Frogs.
Eric Smith of Chargers.com reports that incumbent Bolts wide receivers Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer and Mike Williams paid Johnston a visit post-draft to offer their greetings and welcome him to a Chargers club eager to take the next step this season following a solid 10-7 run and Wild Card Weekend berth (let's just not talk about what happened in that game).
Per Smith, Los Angeles head coach Brandon Staley opined that the vets' welcome of this high-ceilinged rookie (one who could, theoretically, take a lot of touches and rotation minutes from Palmer at least) is a testament of the club's high culture.
Johnston also detailed the encounter more extensively, Daniel Popper of The Athletic writes.
“Just letting me know we was all family,” Johnston said. “Letting me know what to expect. Kind of a little crash course they gave me — what to expect, how stuff is run. Kind of just a baseline so I could get an understanding and a feel for the football team as much as I can at that point.”
Johnston spoke effusively about the value he placed in their conversation.
“Shoot, that’s everything,” Johnston said. “I feel like I came into a good situation, starting off initially under some guys that have been in the league and have been playing at a high level for a minute. So I feel like I can pick a lot of their game, apply it to mine, what’s needed in mine, and kind of expand from there.”
