Chargers News: NFL Columnist Lists LA's Rookie WR as Most Productive From the 2023 Class

The writer is very high on the Chargers first rounder.

It was just about two short months ago when the Los Angeles Chargers made Quentin Johnston the 21st overall pick in this past draft.

Since that time, Johnston has made quite the impression, including on Chargers star safety Derwin James.

Johnston had quite the pedigree coming out of TCU, as he was a key cog in the Horned Frogs' surprising run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in January.

He emerged as one of the best receivers in the nation and became a true deep threat for TCU quarterback Max Duggan in 2023.

The pairing shined this past year as Johnston racked up 60 receptions for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns, while Duggan became a Heisman Trophy finalist before being drafted by the Bolts in the 7th round.

Now Johnston will go from catching balls from Duggan on Saturdays to reeling them in from Justin Herbert on Sundays, and it's hoped that the rookie will provide another deep threat that Los Angeles has been lacking.

But given Johnston's resume, his productive camp, and the probability that he could get a significant number of targets makes the Herbert-Johnston connection a recipe for success this season.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports agrees with that assessment, as he believes that the 21 year old wideout can be the most productive rookie receiver this year.

The Chargers needed a serious YAC weapon to turn high-percentage throws for Herbert into splash plays, which is why I believe they zeroed in on Johnston in the draft. His explosiveness and contact balance made him the most dynamic yards-after-the-catch monster in the class, and while he isn't to Williams' level high-pointing the football, he will bring down the occasional jump ball. The more I've thought about Johnston in this offense, the more I love his upside as a rookie. (via CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso)

If Johnston's inaugural year in the NFL goes as well as hoped, the Bolts could very well have quite the weapon in their arsenal, something they'll most definitely need to try to keep pace with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West this coming season.