With the 21st pick in the draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston. He was just the second wide receiver taken, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba taken by the Seahawks right before him. Two other receivers also went right after him: Zay Flowers to the Ravens at 22 and Jordan Addison to the Vikings at 23.
After last year, it was very clear that the Chargers needed to get younger and faster at the WR position. They got their guy with Johnston, but was it the right pick?
Is Quentin Johnston The Chargers Missing Piece?
Johnston was by far the leading receiver for TCU’s championship runner-up team last year. He caught 60 balls for 1069 yards for 17.8 yards per catch, albeit for only 6 touchdowns (QB Max Duggan threw for 32 touchdowns overall, but Johnston’s 6 did still lead the team).
This draft’s WR class wasn’t quite as strong as those of years past. There weren’t that many guys that were complete or consensus picks, and a lot of the evaluation was in the eye of the beholder. This holds true for the Johnston pick.
Where Does Johnston Fit On The Chargers?
At this point, Johnston is an outside receiver. When he has been at his best, he is explosive and possesses excellent stride length and acceleration which allows him to get vertical, as well as excellent run-after-the-catch ability. Criticisms include too many drops and a lack of quickness and refinement with his routes. Addison or Flowers would have provided better route running but with less size.
Vote Now! Was He The Right Pick In The First Round?
If you disagree with the pick, let us know who you would have preferred in the comments!