Although it wasn't among their most pressing priorities, the Los Angeles Chargers likely needed to come out of the 2026 NFL Draft with an additional pass-catching weapon.
With Keenan Allen still a free agent and trade rumors surrounding Quentin Johnston, the Chargers needed someone who could bring competition to the room. Brenen Thompson, whom Los Angeles selected at 105th overall, represents exactly that.
He's the speediest receiver in this draft class, and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel should be able to find ample use for him in the normal course of the offense. But he also has significant upside as a potential special-teams threat at the NFL level.
With their selection of Thompson, therefore, the Chargers have officialy put struggling return man Derius Davis on notice.
Derius Davis' time with the Chargers may rapidly be coming to an end
Thompson, who ran the fastest 40-yard-dash at the NFL Scouting Combine out of this entire class, will be a tantalizing addition to McDaniel's scheme. His ability to take the top off the defense and make plays in the open field should quickly endear him to his new coordinator.
With the number of receivers the Chargers already have in the fold, snaps could be limited for him initially. If he takes over special-teams duties, however, his value as a rookie could be amplified exponentially.
In 2025, the Chargers finished 29th in the NFL in yards gained per punt return and 26th in yards gained per kick return. Not only was Davis cut out of the offense almost entirely, but it's clear he's lost a step athletically even in his special-teams snaps.
Thompson only took one return (which went for 44 yards) during his college career. But it's easy to envision him taking on that role at the NFL level given the pure speed and lateral agility he possesses. Keaton Mitchell, who Los Angeles added in free agency, also has experience as a kick returner.
Davis has one year remaining on his current contract and would represent a dead cap hit of just $177,983 if he were released, per Spotrac.
The end of Davis's time with the Chargers was already likely. But Thompson's selection may have just accelerated the timeline.
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