Chargers News: Pundit Ponders if LA Rookies will Make Immediate Impact

A great question heading into the 2023 season!

The Los Angeles Chargers were able to address a variety of needs in the 2023 NFL Draft and also got younger in the process. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen aren’t going anywhere just yet but LA set themselves up nicely down the road with the acquisition of Quentin Johnston.

It’s also been reported that Derius Davis could grab the returner slot on the roster if he earns it in training camp and edge rusher Tuli Tuipoltu put on showcase in his 2022 season at USC and can help the Bolts’ defense. Max Dugann will have a much harder time trying to get playing time considering LA has a guy named Justin Herbert at quarterback but he’s still in a great position to learn.

Therefore, the Bolts will not be leaning solely on their rookies to help them win games this year but they definitely will play key roles in deciding which direction a number of them go. This can definitely benefit LA or come back to haunt them but this is why it’s important they’re already getting reps in right now thanks to OTA’s.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine brought this up as one of his burning questions for the Chargers heading into the new season. He doesn’t think their first-year players won’t be ready for the tasks… he just wonders to what degree they’ll be able to perform.

Impossible to not be impressed with Quentin Johnston's start to the NFL, even if it is just OTA's. pic.twitter.com/YCNCHY0qWM

— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) June 5, 2023

"They landed three potential impact players with their first three picks. Quentin Johnston can fit right in with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as the starting wide receivers. In theory, the 6'3", 266-pound Tuli Tuipulotu can be the team's third edge rusher with the ability to kick inside on passing downs and Daiyan Henley should compete with Kenneth Murray for playing time.On paper, the trio could be enough to push the team to the next level. But it's generally not a good idea to just assume rookies will immediately be able to make a difference."

(Via Bleacher Report)

But ladies and gentlemen, that is what makes a young core so fun.