For the most part, the Los Angeles Chargers have concluded their offseason business.
They've added help along the offensive line, and grabbing a starting-caliber guard in the draft should be enough to cement their protection scheme. They've extended Teair Tart, and it seems as though an extension for Tuli Tuipulotu will certainly come later in the offseason. They've also made serious additions to tailor the offense to Mike McDaniel's scheme, adding Charlie Kolar, Alec Ingold, and Keaton Mitchell in free agency.
But one of last year's most important veteran contributors, wide receiver Keenan Allen, remains a free agent. Last season in Los Angeles, he amassed 777 yards, 81 receptions, and four touchdowns on 122 targets. It would make perfect sense for the Chargers to bring him back on another one-year deal.
Why haven't they done it yet?
At this point, it only makes sense if Los Angeles is waiting to see what prospects might fall to them in the draft. They're clearly trying to make their receiving corps younger, with both KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre' Harris slated to take on bigger roles next season.
If the Chargers ultimately land a slot receiver in the third or fourth round, Allen's time with the Chargers could abruptly come to an end.
3 mid-round prospects who could be immediate Keenan Allen replacements for the Chargers
Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State
I've written about Thompson before, and rightfully so. Out of this grouping of receiver prospects, he has perhaps the most tantalizing set of physical tools.
In his senior season at Mississippi State, Thompson led the SEC in receiving yards, posting 1,054 yards through the air and six touchdowns on 57 receptions. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he clocked a 4.26-second 40-yard dash time: the fifth-fastest mark in Combine history.
He has the potential to stretch defenses vertically whenever he wants. If the Chargers were able to grab him in the third or fourth round, he could be the speedy piece that truly helps McDaniel execute his offensive vision, similar to how Tyreek Hill did in his Miami days.
Deion Burks, Oklahoma
Burks presents a different speed profile than Thompson, but his size will likely leave him as a slot receiver at the next level.
He has the route-running acumen and the quick breaks to be a threat against zone coverage, finding the soft pockets in the middle of the field. Given how trusted a target Allen became for Justin Herbert over the course of last season, the Chargers might be seeking out a more reliable intermediate presence as his replacement.
Burks needs to refine some of deeper routes, but he would certainly be a steal if he fell to the Chargers in the fourth round.
Skyler Bell, UConn
Bell is the most versatile target on this list, and that's something that could appeal to Los Angeles as they attempt to build out their receiving corps.
In his senior season at UConn, Bell was absolutely unstoppable, posting 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns on 101 receptions. There are concerns about the level of competition there, but Bell's production is undeniable. He has the speed and the fluidity to make plays in the open field once the ball is caught, and he has the route-running versatility to be a threat at all three levels.
Although he played just 36.6% of his snaps in the slot in his final season at UConn, he has the size and the contested-catch abilities to immediately take on a role there at the next level.