Like any first-rounder, they’re expected to play to their draft billing in their rookie season. However, that wasn’t the case for wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who struggled for the Chargers in Year 1.
Entering his sophomore campaign, Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson believes that Johnston is under pressure to perform.
Johnston displayed a very limited skill set, and the team seemed completely unable to carve him out even a limited role within the offense that played to his strengths. Overall, he averaged just 0.88 yards per route run, ranking 22nd among rookie receivers.
As a player with a draft profile that wasn’t to everybody’s tastes, Johnston enters his second season under real pressure to show that he can be effective in the NFL, even if it’s in a certain role or on a less complete route tree.
Johnston finished with 38 catches on 67 targets for 431 yards and two touchdowns. His issues stemmed from struggling to create separation and catching the football, something he dealt with at TCU.
Despite Johnston’s uninspiring Year 1, he and others, including general manager Joe Hortiz, believe he is due for a breakout season.
Given that the wide receiver room is not as strong after losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, they will be counting on Johnston to step up.