It's no secret that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has had a massive influence on the offensive personnel the Chargers have brought in this offseason. The Chargers continued that trend in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, taking the fastest player in the entire class, Brenen Thompson.
The Mississippi State wideout ran a 4.26 40-yard dash during February's NFL Scouting Combine. Thompson transferred from Oklahoma to Mississippi State ahead of the 2025 season and had a massive breakout as a result. The speedster caught 57 passes for 1,054 yards with six touchdowns.
McDaniel's offenses have always had an element of top-tier speed and Thompson adds exactly that. Along with Keaton Mitchell, whom the Chargers signed in free agency, the Bolts now have two dangerous, fast weapons that McDaniel can utilize as only he can.
For better or worse, the Chargers just landed their version of Tyreek Hill. Obviously, expecting Thompson to turn into an All-Pro wideout is silly. But there was speculation that the Chargers could bring in the veteran to play a reduced role with McDaniel. That is no longer needed.
Chargers' Brenen Thompson selection puts any connection to Tyreek Hill to bed
It was never outright reported that the Chargers were interested in bringing in Hill but there was certainly some smoke. It wouldn't have been all that surprising if the Bolts signed Hill to a cheap one-year deal if they didn't land a wideout in the draft.
That is no longer needed with Thompson on the roster. Thompson provides that speed option that can win at the line of scrimmage while also being a deep-ball option for Justin Herbert's rocket arm. He's bringing the same physical skills Hill would have brought. It's up to McDaniel to put him in a position to succeed.
The Chargers' wide receiver room is rounding out nicely with young talent. Ladd McConkey, Tre' Harris and Quentin Johnston are a talented top three with upside. KeAndre Lambert-Smith showed immense flashes last season and will get more chances this year. Thompson gives them the Jalen Guyton-type speed threat they didn't have before.
And that's before the Chargers potentially bring back Keenan Allen, which is still an ongoing storyline surrounding the team.
The Chargers may not have an elite top-tier WR1 like Hill was in his prime, but they are winning with numbers. Thompson doesn't just add more depth to the room, he adds a dynamic skillset that didn't exist in the room prior.
For as frustrating as the offensive line strategy has been because of McDaniel, this selection deserves immense flowers.
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