Chargers Slip One Spot in PFF's Post-Draft Evaluation

Plenty of time for their rookies to shine.

Recovering from a long offseason following their playoff exit in 2022, the Chargers picked up the pieces and drafted many key contributors for their roster in April's draft. 

Despite a promising young core, including first-round wideout Quentin Johnston, that will be ready to take the field for the Bolts; a recent PFF poll has the team's draft pieces a spot below their previous ranking in a gauge for rookie talent across the league. 

Johnston forced 19 missed tackles on just 60 receptions and averaged 17.8 yards per catch in 2022. Among the projected first-round wide receivers, Johnston led the way in yards after the catch per reception and missed tackles forced per reception — two areas the Chargers underperformed in last year. He should be an instant contributor and add a vertical element to the team that has been missing for quite some time.

via Amelia Probst, Pro Football Focus

Though Johnston was the highest pick for the Chargers, his contributions to the offense may not be as significant as the Bolts' second-round selection. 

From USC, Tuli Tuipulotu has impressed with his displays in preseason, making key tackles and wreaking havoc in the middle of LA's defense. 

The local product hopes that such production will carry into the regular season, as will Johnston, who will surely play a vital role in the Chargers' passing attack in 2023. 

Reinvigorated by new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's more vertical approach to combatting defense, fans at SoFi will have plenty of fireworks and numbers on the scoreboard to cheer for come September. 

Headed by Justin Herbert as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, the Chiefs' roster may not be enough to win the AFC West. 

Should the Chargers take the divisional crown and finally upend their foes in Kansas City, who knows what the entire roster could do in the postseason this year?