Tag: Quentin Johnston

Jim Harbaugh sticks to guns with selection of Joe Alt: ‘Offensive linemen, we look at as weapons’

Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz sounded off on the Chargers’ selection of Joe Alt.

The Chargers drafted offensive tackle Joe Alt at No. 5 in the 2024 NFL draft.

While not a luxurious pick, it meshed with Jim Harbaugh’s desire to inject the team with a physical, rugged, and imposing brand of football through the trenches.

“Offensive linemen we look at as weapons,” Harbaugh said. “When we talk about attacking on offense… Offensive line is the tip of the spear.”

Alt played left tackle throughout his collegiate career, where Rashawn Slater has played and earned All-Pro status in 2021. Despite the addition of Alt, Slater will remain the team’s blindside blocker.

Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz did not directly say where Alt would play but did say that he would be a tackle, which could indicate that he will be the starting right tackle.

If Alt is the starting right tackle, he would overtake Trey Pipkins. Harbaugh was non-committal about Pipkins’ job status, calling him “one of our best five right now.”

“Don’t rule anything out, who’s going to play where. We’re going to play the best five that we have on the team.”

Despite being only 21 years old, Alt plays like a veteran. He is a polished and physical lineman who possesses great size/length, overall technique, and strength.

“You’re talking about a guy who’s still growing and maturing,” Hortiz said. “The upside with him is tremendous.”

Alt’s services will benefit Justin Herbert, who has been one of the most pressured quarterbacks since entering the league in 2020. He will also improve the ground game, which hasn’t been efficient for over a decade.

“He drives off the line of scrimmage,” Hortiz said about his run-blocking skills. “You watch him move players over three gaps on his down blocks. He’s very athletic. Excellent range. High-level competitor.”

Even after the addition of Alt, look for the work not to stop there.

“We’re not done with the offensive line either,” Hortiz added.

Marcus Brady on Chargers’ wide receivers: ‘We know we have to fill the room’

The Chargers are thin at the wide receiver position.

Chargers pass game coordinator Marcus Brady gave his assessment of the wide receiver room on Monday when asked about it in his media availability:

Right now, we have a small group, as it is [laughter]. They know that, we know that. It’s still early right now. Obviously, we have the Draft coming up. We’ll see where that goes. Then, talking to [General Manager] Joe [Hortiz] and Jim [Harbaugh], obviously, we know that we have to fill the room. We’ll get to that point when the time’s right.

As Brady mentions, the draft is rapidly approaching for the team and there should be an expectation that multiple wide receivers will be added between now and OTAs. If not numerous wideouts in the draft, specifically, the Chargers have also been linked to free agents like Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Tyler Boyd.

On the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Brady said they’re trying to ultimately replace the production of two players that have had “elite success” in the league.

Brady also said that the No. 1 thing they’re looking for in wide receivers is the ability to get open.

The number one thing is being able to get open, create space and give a throw for the quarterback. Guys that are great off of the line of scrimmage on their releases, if they’re getting pressed, guys that are great at top of the route, and then guys that can make those tough catches. It’s a combination of all three of those. Then, kind of go from there.

Sitting a little over two weeks from the draft, we’ll see how the Chargers evaluate some of the current class based on ability. Brady also mentioned that he “loves” working hand in hand with wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal right now in getting guys to learn the terminology early on. Surely, both coaches’ player evaluation and development skill sets could become important soon.

Chargers ready for Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston to take step forward

The Chargers are now looking to Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston to step up in 2024.

The offseason has brought a myriad of roster changes for the Chargers but none is most notable than at wide receiver.

With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gone, the Chargers are now looking to fourth-year Joshua Palmer and former first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston to step up in 2024.

General manager Joe Hortiz said that the upcoming season is Palmer’s opportunity to thrive as a starter. 

“I’m really excited about Josh,” Hortiz said, per the team’s official website. “I think he is at that point in his career where he is a vet now and he’s worked under two receivers.

“When he’s been given opportunities, he’s been on the field when those two haven’t been and he’s produced for us,” Hortiz added. “I’ve gotten to know him pretty good over the past couple six weeks I’ve been here, so I expect him to step up his game.”

Since he was drafted in 2021, Palmer has 143 catches for 1,703 yards and nine touchdowns.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh believes Johnston will take great strides this year as he continues to develop. 

“We’re excited about Quentin, his opportunity,” Harbaugh said.

Hortiz also added: “Every time you put on the tape, you see the talent and I expect him to make the jump. I know we have the right coaches to help him make the jump. I feel good about the guys that are here.”

As a rookie, Johnston had 38 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns during the 2023 season.

Despite the optimism towards Palmer and Johnston, the Chargers still need to solidify the positional room, which could be done with a veteran signing in free agency and the draft.

Joe Hortiz addresses current state of Chargers’ wide receiver room

The Chargers’ wide receiver core is arguably the thinnest positional group on the roster.

After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers’ wide receiver core is arguably the thinnest positional group on the roster.

As it stands, Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston highlight the room.

General manager Joe Hortiz, who spoke to local reporters on Thursday, said he is “really excited” about Palmer taking on a bigger role. He noted Johnston’s rough rookie season but added that he has seen “some really impressive traits” on film, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Palmer averaged a career-high 58.1 receiving yards per game in 2023 while missing seven games (six to a knee injury and one to a concussion). He is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Johnston struggled to find his footing in his rookie campaign, finishing with just 431 yards in 17 games. He said earlier this offseason that he expects a “breakout” under Jim Harbaugh.

Hortiz said that they’re not done building the room, as there are still free agents on the market and a talented wide receiver class in this year’s draft.

“It is a position we need to add pieces to. We have free agency still. There’s players out there in free agency that we like. There’s also a really strong draft of wide receivers, and there’s going to be players that come available after the draft, whether they’re still out there in free agency or they get released.”

“…Because with all the wideouts in the draft this year, there’s going to be other teams that draft wideouts, and they’re going to end up releasing good wideouts. … Good wide receivers are going to become available, whether it’s through cuts, cap casualties or trades.”

The Chargers have the No. 5 overall selection, and there is a good chance of there being one of the top wideouts available when they’re on the clock, whether that be Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze.

Chargers 2024 offseason position preview: Wide receiver

Evaluating the Chargers’ wide receiver room entering the offseason.

The Chargers’ wide receiver room is at an inflection point in the 2024 offseason. The consequences of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams’ restructures from last season take effect now, with both having $30+ million cap hits in their final contract years.

It’s decision time in that regard. Allen is probably a safe bet to remain with the team. In theory, the Chargers can find a way to keep both if they want to with the league’s unprecedented cap spike. However, Williams will head into his age 30 season off of a torn ACL with a new regime that neither drafted nor extended him.

Outside of the big money duo at the top of the receiver room, Josh Palmer enters a contract year. The former third-round 2021 draft pick has been solid when healthy, but struggled with a knee injury last season that forced him to miss time on an extended IR stint.

Perhaps the biggest question mark outside of the ones mentioned above is 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston. Will a new brain trust believe in his future development and a second-year breakout for the former TCU star? Or will Joe Hortiz in company look to the draft to reshape their wide receiver room again with talent at the top of the draft?

In continuing our offseason position preview series, let’s turn to the wide receiver room entering the offseason.

6 reasons Chargers fans should be hopeful for next season

Fans of the powder blues should be ecstatic for next season.

The Chargers are not only having an electric offseason, but the franchise itself is undergoing a striking transformation. Fans of the powder blues should be ecstatic for next season and here are six reasons why.

Jim Harbaugh

The man. The myth. The legend. Harbaugh has already begun to change the culture of the Chargers organization. It’s like a Hollywood movie, a dream come true. Harbaugh not only takes the team to new heights, but brings a household sports name to the Los Angeles team. Harbaugh is known for rescuing losing teams and reshaping them into winning programs. He’s done so with Stanford, the 49ers and Michigan. Fans have been craving a purposeful change for years–and Harbaugh is it. 

Justin Herbert

Harbaugh said it best: Herbert is the “crown jewel of the NFL.” Chargers fans have known this since he started for the team, but other football fans have had their doubts about Herbert. This is because the Bolts’ most prized possession has been overshadowed by a struggling team. Nevertheless, Herbert is a talented asset on the field and has proven so time and time again. With a new coach leading the way, it’s likely Herbert will have his best season as he gets to develop under such a valuable teacher like Harbaugh and an offensive mindset in Greg Roman, who should aid Herbert by elevating the run and play-action game. 

Jesse Minter

Under Minter, Michigan had one of the most dominant units in all of college football, finishing in the top 10 in various categories. If you watched the Wolverines on defense the past two seasons, you would be able to take away that they attacked aggressively and made life difficult for opposing offenses. Minter believes in adapting the defense to your best players and your opponent, not forcing your players into your defense. This will apply to players like Derwin James, who struggled in Brandon Staley’s defense as he was forced to do too much.

The front office

In Harbaugh’s introductory press conference, he stressed the importance of the team’s togetherness. It may seem insignificant, but it’s unmistakable that everybody has the same goal starting from the top of the organization–everybody wants to win. The Spanos family hiring Harbaugh essentially remade the franchise. The front office made the right moves in the offseason to set up the team for success and it is sure to be one of the organization’s most exciting seasons. 

Joe Hortiz

While Harbaugh should have an impact on the Chargers, Hortiz should just as much, too. Hortiz was with the Ravens for a long time, where he helped build one of the most talented rosters in the league during his tenure. He has a good eye for talent in free agency and the draft. This should pay dividends when it comes to reconstructing the roster now and in the future.

No. 5 overall pick in the draft

As if this offseason couldn’t be any sweeter, the Chargers have the fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Though it’s unclear what position they will be going for, this is an opportunity to add even more star power to the team with someone like LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Hortiz revealed that the team will be choosing the best player available in every round they have a pick. 

Chargers WR Quentin Johnston reflects on rookie season, eyes breakout sophomore campaign

Quentin Johnston is ready to put his rookie season behind him and put together a solid sophomore campaign.

Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is coming off his rookie season. A season in which he finished with 38 catches for 417 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnston recently spoke with Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez to talk about the opportunity where he and two other first-year players are inviting cruisers to score an unforgettable vacation getaway as well as his rookie campaign and what to expect in Year 2.

CW: Can you tell us about your partnership with Pepsi Zero Sugar and Carnival Cruise Line?

QJ: I’m excited to be partnering with Pepsi Zero Sugar and Carnival Cruise to kick off my rookie season. We are giving first-time cruisers a chance to set sail.

CW: How do fans enter for a chance to win the “Board a Rookie. Return a Pro.” Sweepstakes?

QJ: They can win the sweepstakes by visiting pepsirookiecruise.com.

CW: You’re now removed from your rookie season. Reflect on your first year in the pros.

QJ: Yeah, you know, everybody’s first season is kind of unexpected in a way just because this is the longest season. I thought my last college season was long just because we went to the playoffs and everything. But by the time that was over, we were still having NFL games, so a great learning experience with some great guys. Being on the field and then in the actual meeting room with Keenan. Guys like Mike. You know, day in and day out. It helped me elevate my game and just my mental knowledge of the game of football altogether.

CW: It seemed like you faced a lot of pressure, like most first-round picks do. But I believe expectations regarding rookies need to be tempered. What do you tell people that are that way? What are you looking to improve and what do you feel like you had a lot of success in your rookie season?

QJ: Just tell them once you’re drafted, you’re drafted. It doesn’t really matter where you get drafted you’re on the team and just be patient. I feel like a lot of rookies have different experiences and from my experience, it’s still football. But from college to the NFL, that’s a few levels up. Stuff like that takes time to get used to. I feel like, at this point, I have a full season under my belt. Starting to train with real professional guys day in and day out. Next season I feel like it will be more of my breakout season, and I’m very excited about it.

CW: Who would you say that you were the closest with and what was the best advice given?

QJ: Keenan Allen, for sure. On the field, you know he’s a great route runner. So just watching him come in and out of his breaks, especially starting camp. Just watching him and he’s doing it at a high level. He’d put me to the side and just start showing me how to tempo through certain routes and stuff like that. Off the field, stuff like film study, how to develop a routine when you’re away from the field so you can come back and refresh and have everything that you need to put your best foot forward the next day.

CW: How about former Chargers wide receiver coach Chris Beatty? He’s with the Bears now. He was your first positional coach in the NFL. What did you learn from him? What did he teach you? And what can you say about Chris?

QJ: Coach Beatty was a pretty good coach. He was my first NFL coach. That was a great experience with him. He’s been with a lot of teams and has coached a lot of good guys that I looked up to growing up. Guys like Tavon Austin. He would just tell me how those guys developed through the years and how I can develop, where he sees me at different points in the season. Hard coaching to set me up for this season coming up here, so I appreciate him for that.

CW: You’re having one of the most prestigious coaches in Jim Harbaugh coming in. I think people forget that you had a really good game against Michigan in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, too. 6 catches, 163 yards and a touchdown. What can you say about Jim? What are you looking forward to?

QJ: Very, very excited to have him. He actually shot me a text a few days after he got the job, and then a day or two after that, we got on the phone and had a cool little conversation about everything. We did talk about that Michigan game when we played them. So that was that was a pretty fun conversation. He wasn’t too happy about that. But I’m excited for him coming off this success he’s been having and we’re going to do everything we can to make that translate for him and for us to the next level.

CW: What can fans expect from you in Year 2?

QJ: I have a full year under my belt. I will continue to listen and learn from the other guys in the wide receiver room. Continue to master my craft. So I can guarantee this will be my breakout season and I’m just going to have fun while I’m doing it.

4 takeaways from Chargers’ 13-12 loss to Chiefs

The Chargers closed out the regular season with five consecutive losses.

Los Angeles ended the season with their fifth consecutive loss, dropping them to 5-12 at the hands of a skeleton crew Chiefs unit.

Here’s what to take away from the game.

Everything to know about Chargers’ loss to Chiefs

The Chargers closed out the regular season with a loss to the Chiefs.

The Chargers closed out the regular season with a loss to the Chiefs in a low-scoring affair at SoFi Stadium.

To recap everything from the season finale, here is everything to know from the game.

4 things to watch in Chargers vs. Chiefs

Here are a few storylines to track in the game between the Chargers and Chiefs..

Los Angeles mercifully ends their season on Sunday afternoon, matching up with a Chiefs team locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs. Blaine Gabbert will start for Kansas City, his first start since 2018.

Here are a few storylines to track in the game.