Jalen Guyton might fall all the way to WR5 on the LA Chargers
By Jason Reed
LA Chargers training camp has been in action for a week and we are starting to get an idea of how the team is going to come into place this season. There is still a lot of time before the 2022 season starts, with three preseason games, but this first week has set the table for all of that.
There were not a lot of roster battles heading into camp but one of the most polarizing battles was between Josh Palmer and Jalen Guyton for the WR3 job. Palmer, as predicted, has been fantastic thus far in camp as he prepares for what could be a huge breakout season.
It already seems likely that Palmer is going to be the WR3 with Guyton falling down the depth chart. It is impossible to ignore how good Palmer has looked thus far and not give him an increased role in 2022.
That is not the biggest concern for Guyton, though. Guyton is also going to be competing for snaps with new receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter. Carter too has played really well in camp thus far and has left a mark that Guyton simply has not left.
Brandon Staley on DeAndre Carter:
— Nick Cothrel (@NickCothrel) August 3, 2022
"He really got off to a good start with our QBs in the springtime. But he's a very good receiver. He is not just a return specialist. This guy can play offense. He can play in the slot, he can play out wide, he's very good after the catch." https://t.co/NYBNSuFOGi
Suddenly Guyton has gone from being a potential WR3 candidate to being someone who is at the very back of the Chargers' receiver room. With what Carter offers the team, it would not be surprising if Guyton ends up being the WR5 on the Chargers.
Jalen Guyton can still add great value to the Chargers in a WR5 role.
Brandon Staley really stresses on the importance of matchups, both on offense and defense, which makes a potential WR5 role for Guyton more important than most WR5s in the league. Carter might get more overall playing time because of his versatility and red-zone ability but Guyton still will have a role carved out in this offense.
After all, Guyton is still the fastest player that the Chargers have on the offensive side of the ball. Falling down the depth chart does not change that. Guyton adds a different dynamic as a deep-shot specialist for the team.
Guyton might be reserved to only play snaps with four receivers out wide and no tight ends in obvious passing downs. He might only be on the field in spread looks but he can still make an impact in those looks. That is where he thrives and keeping him fresh for those moments is best for everyone involved.
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That is, as long as the Bolts do not make the shocking decision to cut Guyton like they did with Tyron Johnson a year ago.