Chargers Insider Anticipates First-Round Rookie to Grow Throughout the Season

Is there a ceiling for the rookie wide-out?

When the Los Angeles Chargers drafted rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston out of TCU in the first round of the NFL Draft this year, they did so with a plan in mind.

He gives their offense another dimension, combining him with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Each player is a different type of receiver that should allow quarterback Justin Herbert to thrive this season.

Johnston was special during his final season with the Horned Frogs. He put up 1,069 yards, 60 catches, and six touchdowns on the year. The rookie was the primary offensive target for TCU, helping lead them to the National Championship game.

But as the year goes on for the Chargers, Johnston will have to ease into his role. With him being the third receiving option, it could take some getting used to.

Team insider Daniel Popper of The Athletic gave some insight into Johnston.

"The Chargers drafted Johnston to provide an explosive element to their receiving room, and he has certainly shown that in camp. He has the straight-line speed to attack defenses vertically. His movement after the catch is special. And his route-running and releases are far ahead of where I expected them to be."

Per The Athletic

He did struggle in the teams opening preseason game. But struggles in the preseason typically aren’t too serious. Take Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for example; he had plenty of drops in the preseason and turned out to be an elite talent.

Johnston may not be on the level of Chase, but it still shows that the preseason doesn’t mean too much.

“At the same time, Johnston has endured some rookie struggles. He’s had several drops. He also has some learning to do in terms of the finer details of the position. But as the Chargers move into the regular season, they will condense and define Johnston’s role into certain packages and concepts so his athletic traits can take center stage.”

Per The Athletic

Johnston is going to make Herbert’s life much easier. He gives him another solid weapon to throw too, and he should allow this offense to really spread the field out.

Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will try and maximize Johnston, and it will be fun to watch play out this season.