Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley Noticing Improvements With Rookie Quentin Johnston

The rookie wide receiver has been quite underwhelming to start his career

Heading into the 2023 offseason, it was clear the Los Angeles Chargers needed another pass catcher. The front office knew it, and they wasted no time grabbing one with their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, going with the wide receiver from TCU, Quentin Johnston. 

Johnston was the second wide receiver taken from the board and garnered a ton of similarities to LA's own dynamic wide receiver, Mike Williams. 

Unfortunately, Williams is out for the year after suffering his ACL, and everyone looked at Johnston to step up in that role; however, it just hasn't manifested. 

Johnston has yet to get his footing at the pro level, and many are questioning if the front office whiffed on the pick. However, the team still believes in the 21-year-old, including head coach Brandon Staley. 

Staley spoke to Elliot Teaford of The OC Register earlier this week and said he sees steady improvement from the rookie wideout. 

“I feel like his alignment and assignment are improving,” Staley said. “He’s playing with confidence. I thought that (Sunday) was a step forward for him. If he continues to take the practice field the way that he has, you’re going to continue to see the improvement. That is all that he needs to be focused on.”

(per Brandon Staley via OC Register)

Johnston has been beyond underwhelming, collecting only seven receptions in six games that have gone for 64 yards, zero touchdowns, and a receiving success rate of 33.3%. Not what you want to see from your first-round selection, but solving lining, he went for a career-high 20 yards receiving in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

We'll see how involved Kellen Moore will get the young rookie as the season progresses and if he's ready to step up when needed the most. 

If not, a ton of blame will be pointed to the front office, specifically GM Tom Telesco. 

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