Quentin Johnston: Grading the Chargers’ No. 21 overall NFL Draft pick

The Chargers were waiting a few hours to make their first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night and they were able to land TCU star receiver Quentin Johnston.

Los Angeles had needs for a tight end, defensive tackle, or a running back but with the top two rushers off the board, that seemed to eliminate one position from the Chargers’ first-round draft board. But they still had a need for a receiver since Keenan Allen and Mike Williams can never seem to stay healthy.

With a franchise quarterback like Justin Herbert, you have to help him out by adding some elite receivers who can stay healthy.

Johnston could be that guy (knock on wood).

Johnston was a solid receiver for two years under Gary Patterson before he left the program and then flourish under Sonny Dykes as he broke out in 2022 with 1,069 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 19 yards per catch over his career which goes to show he’s not only a big target but he has serious YAC (yards after catch) ability.

I love this pick for Los Angeles.

Grading the Chargers’ pick of Quentin Johnston

Johnston was my second-favorite receiver in this year’s draft because of his size and ability to run basically every route and he’s a YAC beast.

I thought he’d go a little earlier than No. 21, but the Chargers got major value here.

Plus, Los Angeles needs another solid target to add to that offense and Herbert should be able to utilize him right away, especially if Allen and Williams can’t stay healthy.

Grade: A