Chargers already impressed with rookie Quentin Johnston in OTAs

The Los Angeles Chargers took a wide receiver in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but they picked one that very few seemed to have projected as a potential target for LA. Despite smaller, speedier receievrs like Jordan Addison and Zay Flowers lasting until pick No. 21, Tom Telesco selected TCU star Quentin Johnston.

The Chargers are definitely valuing size and the ability to win 50/50 balls with their wide receivers, as Mike Williams and Keenan Allen give Los Angeles one of the biggest wide receiver corps in the entire league. Johnston figured to be the No. 3 wide receiver behind Allen and Williams in his rookie season.

Johnston might have some big expectations, but he still needs to prove it to the rest of his veterans. Based on some of the early reports, it sounds like he is turning heads at OTAs and doing everything he can to show he can be an important cog in this offense.

Safety Derwin James said that Johnston is "that guy" before saying he has a tremendous work ethic and the ability to make it translate to life on the field. Johnston's skillset is already starting to stick out to veterans like James, which means Telesco could have nailed it again.

Quentin Johnston impressing at Chargers OTAs

Johnston may not be the most fleet of foot or the most agile receiver, and some might have concerns about the fact he only had one season of genuinely exceptional production in an offense with some Mickey Mouse-esque play-calling tendencies, but the physical talent is terrific.

Johnston picked up 1,069 yards receiving on 17.8 yards per catch to go along with six touchdowns despite getting double-teamed all the time. As a vertical threat and possession receiver, there were none better in the entire pool of first-round prospects. Justin Herbert is going to have fun with him.

The Chargers clearly loved whatever Sonny Dykes was putting in the water down in Fort Worth, as LA drafted two other offensive Horned Frogs in speedy receiver Derius Davis and quarterback Max Duggan, who will compete for the QB3 job behind Easton Stick. Johnston, however, is clearly the best of the bunch.

Johnston was nigh unstoppable at TCU, and he looks to be all set up to take his unique skillset over to the professional ranks. With Herbert at the sticks, Johnston might have a realistic shot at some Offensive Rookie of the Year buzz.