The Los Angeles Chargers surprised many when they selected wide receiver Quentin Johnston in the first round of the NFL Draft. This was not necessarily because he wasn’t a good player in college, but more so because of the other receivers available and because the skill set he brought felt similar to what the Chargers had at the time.
Fast forward, and QJ has been the subject of high scrutiny after a very up-and-down start to his career.
Even if you remove the untimely drops in critical situations, statistically, he has not lived up to his first-round billing.
- Quentin Johnston 2023 Stats (Rookie): 38 receptions, 431 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 drops
- 2024 Stats: 55 receptions, 711 yards, 8 touchdowns, 7 drops
For context, last year as a rookie, Ladd McConkey had 82 receptions, 1149 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
Will Chargers WR Quentin Johnston Break Out In Year 3?
Heading into Year 3, it is beginning to feel like a make-or-break season for Johnston. The good news is that he has been turning heads in OTAs so far.
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston is turning heads 👀
— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) May 31, 2025
"He's been working hard all offseason — a completely different receiver now than 6 months ago. Everything improved." – Chargers staffer
Year 3 leap incoming? 📈What are your expectations for QJ this season? pic.twitter.com/KKMNhETqIm
According to a Chargers staffer, QJ has “been working hard all offseason — a completely different receiver now than 6 months ago. Everything improved.”
Based on the way his career has started, you would hope that he has been working hard to improve his game. He certainly has the talent, and if he can unlock the player that was at TCU, the Chargers offense has the ability to be very dangerous this season.
Also Read: Los Angeles Chargers Can Solve Biggest Need With Massive International Player
While he plays primarily in the slot, McConkey has the ability to be a true number one wide receiver. If Johnston can play the role of WR2 and be a dominant threat on the outside, Herbert will have the opportunity to have the best statistical season of his career.
Will QJ make the leap? That is the question. He did make a jump from Year 1 to Year 2. If he can keep the same trend, then a 1,000-yard season and potential double-digit touchdowns could be incoming.
Thoughts, Bolt Fam? Comment below!