Despite lacking a productive WR3 in 2019, the Chargers still managed to boast one of the league’s finest dynamic duos that consisted of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Allen posted a career-high in receptions (104) that went for 1,199 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Williams surpassed the 1,000-receiving yard mark, as well as a league-high 20.4 yards per catch.
Los Angeles knew that they were missing pieces to compliment the tandem, which is why they drafted Joe Reed and K.J. Hill to shore up the positional group.
Heading into the 2020, Pro Football Focus’ Ben Linsey sees the unit as being stout, ranking them No. 7 overall among the rest of the 32 teams in the league.
Here is what Linsey had to say about the state of the wide receivers:
There are questions at the quarterback position for the Chargers; there are questions about the left side of the offensive line, as well. Where there shouldn’t be too many questions, though, is at the skill positions on offense. Keenan Allen is one of the best route-runners in the NFL and is the fourth-highest-graded wide receiver in the league over the last three seasons. Mike Williams is an effective downfield threat, averaging over 20 yards per reception in 2019 on his way to the first 1,000-yard season of his career. Outside of Hunter Henry and Austin Ekeler, both of whom are among the top receiving options at their respective positions, one player who could surprise in 2019 is K.J. Hill. He has an NFL-ready skill set for the slot, and Andre Patton was a complete non-factor in that role for the Chargers last season (56 receiving yards on 303 routes run).
Wide receiver will be one of the top positional battles to watch in training camp and preseason. While Allen and Williams man the top-two spots, the competition for the final three or four spots is bound to be heated.
Reed, the fifth-round pick, brings versatility. Hill, the seventh-round pick, brings route-running ability and secure hands. Andre Patton has shown flashes and has two seasons under his belt. Darius Jennings’ special teams experience will help his case.
Recently, I took a crack at projecting the wide receiver group. That can be found here.
Regardless of how the quarterback play shakes up between Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert, they should benefit from the slew of wide receivers, as well as running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Hunter Henry.
