Quentin Johnston shines on first day of Los Angeles Chargers training camp

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh defended wide receiver Quentin Johnston following the first day of training camp. As it turns out, that praise was justified, because the former first-round selection had a nice start to his 2024 campaign.

According to The Athletic's Daniel Popper , Johnston caught passes on three out routes and one dig route from Justin Herbert. This is particularly notable, as the sharpness to break inside or outside and separate versus defensive backs was not something fans saw from Johnston last year.

While there were no contested catch opportunities today, it sounds like Johnston may have strengthened up to improve in that area under the watchful eye of Director of Player Performance Ben Herbert. Per Harbaugh:

I see big, fast, strong, getting stronger. I think that’s a piece that’s really been addressed in the offseason with coach (Ben) Herbert. And Quentin, just getting stronger to go with that.

One solid practice without pads doesn't mean Johnston can now make routine catches and separate against elite corners. Still, all fans can hope for is improvement. Not every player hits the NFL with elite production. Kudos to what seems to have been a focused offseason for Johnston as he looks to leave a disappointing debut year behind him.