The 2023 NFL Draft is officially in the books! After months of speculation and unclarity about who the LA Chargers were going to draft, the team managed to surprise fans with several selections. The hope now is that these picks can blossom into true contributors for the team in 2023 and beyond.
Not every pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is going to end up working out and with some players, it may take time. Some drafted players may not offer much in year one but will blossom in years two, three and four. It is important to take a long-term outlook when valuing these picks.
With all of that in mind, here are our grades for every pick that the Chargers made in the 2023 NFL Draft, both with the best-case and worst-case scenario for each prospect.
Grading every pick the LA Chargers made in the 2023 NFL Draft:
Chargers draft grade for Quentin Johnston: B
Quentin Johnston was a surprising name for the Chargers to call with the 21st overall pick as he was not someone who fans were mocking to the Chargers. There is a lot to love about Davis but he truly is one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in the late first round.
It is really easy to fall in love with Johnston's blend of size and speed. It is rare to get a six-foot-three receiver that can run and explode like Johnston. That being said, he doesn't really use his size like most receivers would, as he is not someone who thrives in making contested catches.
Instead, Johnston's biggest value will come via what he can add in his yards after catch. That is what the Chargers will lean into in year one as he develops his game.
Quentin Johnston had the ninth-highest drop rate (11.8%) of any NCAA WR with at least 90 targets last season. Zay Flowers ranked 18th (10.3%).
— Bolt Beat (@BB_Chargers) April 28, 2023
Only 2 WRs from 2018-2022 were drafted in round one with a 10%+ drop rate: Jalen Reagor and Rashod Bateman.
I personally liked Zay Flowers more, but I at least see the vision with Johnston.
Best-case scenario: Johnston solves his drop problems, becomes better at making contested catches and turns into a legitimate WR1 option later in his career. He will be replacing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen and in the best-case scenario, he would blossom to become a true no. 1 weapon for Justin Herbert.
Worst-case scenario: Johnston cannot overcome his drop issues and does not develop into someone who can make contested catches. He is not the most refined route-runner, either, and if he does not grow then he could get smothered by defensive backs at the line of scrimmage and that will completely negate his game, keeping him from ever being a top-3 WR in the NFL.
As a reminder with Johnston (and all of these prospects), what actually happens in reality can be somewhere between the best-case and worst-case scenario. These are merely the two ends of the spectrum.