Chargers’ Young Playmaker Put On Notice By NFL Analyst

People are going to keep a close eye on the Los Angeles Chargers during training camp. Their offense underwent some major changes in the offseason.

The coaching staff was changed with Jim Harbaugh taking over as head coach. That means a new philosophy offensively, as they are going to lean heavily into the running game.

Even with a star such as Justin Herbert as the starting quarterback, being a run-first team is what Harbaugh prefers. Only this season, it may come out of necessity because of how the roster is constructed.

The skill positions were hit hard by departures in the 2024 NFL offseason. Wide receiver Mike Williams was released and Keenan Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears .

Tight end Gerald Everett departed in free agency, joining Allen in The Windy City. Running back Austin Ekeler, a top target for Herbert, is also gone, as he signed a deal with the Washington Commanders.

That leaves a lot of unproven commodities for Herbert to rely on in the passing game. One of those players is second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

A first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of TCU, Johnston struggled mightily as a rookie. In 17 games and 10 starts, he caught only 38 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns.

Heading into his sophomore season, there is some pressure on him to produce as he steps up into a much larger role. Over at The 33rd Team , Jeff Diamond has listed Johnston as one of the second-year players under the most pressure to perform this season.

“The Chargers are looking for the big and fast Johnston to step up this season. Still, he’ll have plenty of competition from veterans Josh Palmer and D.J. Chark, along with this year’s second-round pick — Ladd McConkey — who is the likely slot receiver,” Diamond wrote.

In an ideal world, Johnston’s rare combination of size and athleticism will translate to the No. 1 receiver he could be. The Chargers would love for him to become Herbert’s go-to target instead of relying so heavily on a veteran such as Chark, who signed a one-year deal.

If the former TCU star doesn’t step up, wide receiver becomes a pressing need in 2025.

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here .

Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network .

The post Chargers’ Young Playmaker Put On Notice By NFL Analyst appeared first on NFL Analysis Network .