6. WR Mike Williams
Williams just signed a huge extension with the Chargers, cementing the top-end of the Bolts' wide receiver corps for the next few seasons. Coming off his second 1,000-yard season and also his best year as a pro to date with career-highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146), Williams will be a fixture for the Bolts for the near future.
After overcoming some injury concerns coming out of college, the Clemson product has settled in as one of the better deep-ball threats in the league. Williams has actually refined more parts of his game as he has progressed in his career going from a career-high 20.4 yards per catch in 2019 to a more complete year last season with nine touchdowns.
His services will be counted on heavily next season again as the Chargers try to keep pace with the other high-flying teams in the AFC West. In terms of importance, if Williams can take the next step in 2022 then the Bolts will potentially have one of the best receiving duos in all of the NFL.
A fan favorite for the Chargers on Instagram, Williams is also perhaps the best Mike Williams to play in the league at this point and the ultimate reprieve for Chargers fans wanting to draft the other Mike Williams back in the 2005 NFL Draft. The true “BMW” will be a fixture for the Bolts all next season and beyond.
5. WR Keenan Allen
Perhaps an interchangeable category here given Allen and Williams’ roles on offense, the veteran gets the edge given his long-term effect and impact on the Bolts offense. Coming off his fifth-straight Pro Bowl season, Slayer is one of the best playmakers the Chargers have when healthy and thriving.
A spark plug at the slot position or on the outside, Allen has tangled with some of the league’s best corners over time and won his fair share of those matchups. Given the additions and fortifications of some of the AFC West defenses, Allen’s savviness will be relied on consistently as the season progresses. He also will be looking for his third playoff appearance as a Charger in 2022 and potentially, much more.
One of the most underrated players in the league and by the Madden series, Allen has proved consistently that he belongs in the highest echelon of the league’s receivers. After a missed year in 2016, due to injury, Slayer has bounced back in a big way and aged like a fine wine with his pristine route running and fantastic footwork. If he can continue this trajectory and attain another Pro Bowl season, the Bolts should have no worries at wide receiver.