When the Los Angeles Chargers selected Quentin Johnston in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the pick raised eyebrows. It wasn’t that Johnston wasn’t productive at TCU — he was. But his skill set, size, and play style seemed to echo what the Chargers already had on the roster, and many questioned whether the fit justified a Day 1 selection.
Fast forward two years, and the scrutiny has only intensified.
Johnston’s NFL journey has been rocky to say the least. His rookie season in 2023 was underwhelming: 38 catches, 431 yards, just two touchdowns, and three costly drops — several in high-leverage moments that likely stuck in the minds of fans and coaches alike.
To his credit, he improved in 2024:
55 receptions, 711 yards, 8 touchdowns, albeit with an uptick in drops — seven on the season. Still, for a player drafted to be a top target for Justin Herbert, expectations have yet to be fully met.
Now, heading into Year 3, there’s a sense of urgency — and opportunity.
Can Quentin Johnston Finally Break Through in Year 3? The Los Angeles Chargers Are Banking On It
“Only one expectation — that he keeps ascending,” Chargers wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal said recently, underscoring that this is a pivotal year in Johnston’s development.
For Johnston, the message is clear. When asked by Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the LA Times what success would look like for him in 2025, he responded simply:
“Just elevating from last year… Having a thousand yards, for sure.”
That’s not just lip service. According to team sources, Johnston has been one of the most improved players in OTAs. A Chargers staffer recently remarked, “He’s been working hard all offseason — a completely different receiver now than 6 months ago. Everything improved.”
That kind of growth is essential, not just for Johnston’s long-term outlook, but for the direction of the Chargers’ offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. With rookie Ladd McConkey emerging as a versatile, polished slot weapon — and showing WR1 upside already — Johnston’s ability to take command on the outside is what could ultimately unlock the full potential of this unit.
For context, McConkey’s rookie numbers (82 catches, 1,149 yards, 7 TDs) significantly outpaced Johnston’s first two seasons combined. But if Johnston can fully settle into a reliable WR2 role, his vertical threat and physicality could provide the perfect balance to McConkey’s route-running precision and Herbert’s downfield ability.
It’s easy to see how Johnston’s trajectory has created doubt — from inconsistent hands to missed opportunities in big moments. But it’s equally easy to see why the Chargers haven’t given up. He has the size, the burst, and the college résumé that made him a first-round pick. And if the offseason buzz translates into actual production, Johnston could be a breakout candidate in 2025.
Make-or-break? Maybe.
Make-or-break out? The Chargers are certainly hoping it’s the latter.
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