The Los Angeles Chargers receiver corps has not had a good offseason. Jalen Guyton is still a free agent, and the team dealt Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Mike Williams’ release.
The Chargers anticipate a significant improvement from their former first-round choice in year two among the team’s four current receivers.
Joe Hortiz, general manager of the Chargers, believes Quentin Johnston will make a significant improvement.
Johnston’s debut campaign was underwhelming. Throughout his first three games of the season, he got little action as Mike Williams’ backup.
After Williams tore his ACL in Week 3, Johnston’s role grew. Johnston’s job did not, however, help him establish himself as a dependable number two. He had numerous critical drops, found it difficult to establish distance, and found it difficult to step in for Williams.
Johnston concluded the season with 38 receptions on 67 targets for 431 yards and two touchdowns after playing in 17 games, starting ten of them. He averaged 2.2 receptions per game, 6.4 yards per target, 11.3 yards per reception, 2.54 yards per game, and 0.92 yards per route ran. He also averaged 1.28 yards of target separation. In addition, he had a 58.9 PFF Grade, 79.9 passer rating when targeted, and three drops (a 4.5% drop percentage).
Compared to other rookie receivers, his statistics weren’t great, especially considering he was the second receiver selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. In terms of receptions, yards, and touchdowns, he was tied for 13th place.
