Chargers Rookie Named Preseason All-Rookie First-Team

How will LA's first round pick perform in his rookie season?

There was a ton of speculation on what direction the Chargers would go ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Multiple pundits and experts had many different answers and perspectives on what they'll do with their 21st overall pick. Are they drafting a running back? Are they drafting a tight end? Will they trade up or down in the draft? 

None of that happened; instead, they stood pat, did their research, and bolstered their wide receiver room by selecting TCU WR Quentin Johnston. Johnston was an unknown commodity to many in the NFL realm, but in the snippets, we saw of him during rookie camp and minicamp, he quickly became a fan favorite. 

All eyes will be on Johnston now entering training camp, not only because of the buzz he garnered but because he was named Preseason First-Team All-Rookie, according to CBS Sports writer Chris Trapasso. 

First team:



Quentin Johnston

,

Chargers

Johnston is the final piece of the puzzle in the receiver group for

Justin Herbert

. He has the size and skill set unlike anyone else on Los Angeles' roster. I'm most fascinated by his run-after-the-catch prowess. Easiest path to production as a rookie for a receiver, beyond being an absolute freakshow athlete or route runner -- the former is natural and the latter typically takes at least a season to fine-tune as a pro. While occasionally clunky as a rebounder at his stature, Johnston is an agitated gazelle in the open field. Oh and if you call Herbert an elite quarterback, you won't hear gripes from me -- he's capable of elite quarterbacking flashes every time out. That helps.

(via CBS Sports)

Johnston is set to play a significant role for the Bolts. Although he is playing behind arguably a top WR duo in the league, he will have a ton of responsibility on his end.

If the 21-year-old does his job, he will make it easier on Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and his QB Justin Herbert. 

With expectations comes pressure, but I expect Johnston to fulfill or surpass them since he has all the tools to be great and excel in this offense. We cannot wait to see Quentin do his thing and finally see how his game translates to the NFL.