5 bold predictions for LA Chargers 2021 season ahead of training camp
By Jason Reed
3. Josh Palmer will have no more than 15 receptions
Some may have higher expectations for Josh Palmer in his rookie season considering the team used its third pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Palmer with other roster needs that still needed to be filled. However, that likely won’t be the case.
While Palmers has potential as a prospect, he still is not going to be very high on the depth chart in his first season. This is really a two-year selection for the Chargers as they hope that Palmer can start becoming a differnce-maker in year two.
This is because his profile is very similar to Mike Williams, who is a free agent after this season. It is clear that Palmer is the Mike Williams replacement, or the Mike Williams insurance option if Williams gets hurt this season.
That definitely is possible and throws this prediciton out of the window but I will be optimistic and assume that Williams can stay healthy. There really is no reason for Palmer to be out there at the same time as Williams.
He finds himself behind several players in the depth chart. Tyron Johnson and Jalen Guyton should both be ahead of him in the depth chart. And let’s not forget, the Chargers drafted two talented receivers last year that still haven’t even gotten their chance to shine yet as well.
This is part of the reason why I did not love the Palmer selection. It has nothing to do with Palmer as a player.