3 Chargers who will have breakout seasons in 2022

2. Joshua Palmer

Despite being the 5th or 6th option on the offense for most of the year, Chargers 3rd round pick Joshua Palmer showed all the traits of a starting caliber NFL wide receiver throughout his rookie year. 

The Tennessee product was on the field for 38% of the Chargers offensive snaps in 2020, but in those reps, he certainly made the most of his time on the field. Palmer tallied 33 receptions for 353 yards, hauling in four touchdowns as well. His 10.7 yards per reception with his 67.3% catch reception rate are promising building blocks for a receiver who seems to be on the verge of breaking out into much larger production numbers.

With Mike Williams and Jalen Guyton slated to hit free agency, one or both, may not return, opening the door for Palmer to earn a bigger role next season. Expect Palmer to get more looks on 3rd down situations, especially given the fact he won't draw double teams or the opponent's best DBs at this point in his career. Palmer's YAC ability was not incorporated enough into Joe Lombardi's offense during his rookie season, and even though he may not be the fastest of guys, his shiftiness and hard-running could be a weapon in the screen/short passing game.

Josh Palmer was certainly one of the more underrated and under-utilized Bolts in 2021, and if he's given the chance in 2022, he will succeed.