Jobs weren’t won or lost in spring practices, but they did provide optimism around certain players.
ESPN’s Shelley Smith listed the “surprise standout” for Chargers minicamp, and it was wide receiver Tyron Johnson who caught the attention.
T-Billy,” as he is known at the facility, is a legit 4.3 guy who made the most of his 20 receptions last year for 398 yards. He is really fun to watch running routes. In minicamp, he was a blur, and coaches talked him up big-time. He’s a qualified third receiver (behind Mike Williams and Keenan Allen) and should open things up for Justin Herbert.
In 12 games last season, Johnson amassed 20 receptions for 398 yards (19.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns, with zero drops. Four of his first five receptions in the NFL went for 50 yards or more.
Heading into the 2021 season, Johnson will be a part of a position group that returns Jalen Guyton, who had 28 catches for 511 yards and three scores last year, along with the addition of Josh Palmer, the team’s third-round selection.
Johnson has the leg up on Guyton because his hands are more superior and he’s a better route-runner, and he simply has more experience than Palmer. Therefore, that could lead to him earning the No. 3 spot.
The job will be won in training camp, which starts next month.