LA Chargers: Grading Keenan Allen and the 2020 WR group
Jalen Guyton
Jalen Guyton was the real surprise of 2020. Guyton was a potential roster cut or sixth receiver when looking back at last offseason. Now? He’s probably the third receiver in terms of production, even if we don’t always think about him in that way.
It felt like he was always due for one big reception per game following his huge 72-yard touchdown against Tampa Bay. He followed that up with relatively good games against New Orleans and Jacksonville.
About midway through the season though, Guyton became a little more boom or bust when defenses started showing him respect in deep coverage. Balancing out his big games were four games in the back half where he had under 10 yards. Optimally, I wish there was a little bit more consistency in Guyton’s game, but he can still develop that. Becoming a better route runner takes time.
Drops are still a black eye on Guyton’s full skillset currently though. The first play I remember of him in a Chargers’ jersey was a drop of a wide-open Rivers dime against Jacksonville. He was still dealing with the drops in 2020. Guyton was fourth amongst wideouts in drop percentage with 17.6%. On 34 balls deemed catchable, the former North Texas receiver had six drops.
Guyton’s relationship with Herbert on deep passes is significant, but there needs to be more consistency from game to game if he’s going to be the actual WR3. Frankly, more consistency from play to play will be critical too.