Chargers rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston is showing out at training camp all week.
Johnston stood out in OTAs, where he quickly slid into the third wide receiver role while Joshua Palmer was recovering from an injury. It is evident that Johnston continues to be utilized frequently in Kellen Moore’s exciting new offense and has become one of QB Justin Herbert’s favorite targets this off-season.
In his college years at TCU, Johnston showed an elite ability to use trickery to his advantage, gaining much-needed yards after the catch and touting an impressive deep ball reception percentage – the highest out of his class. Johnston continues to use this trickery in training camp, making the Chargers’ defensive backs work overtime to keep him covered downfield.
In drills, Johnston’s footwork is quick and precise. He stands out among the other wide receivers as someone with speed and pinpoint accuracy. His route running is fluid and consistent, his hands are very strong, and he’s explosive off the line.
Johnston has also been showing impressive acceleration – especially considering his height of 6-foot-4. The Chargers are known for picking up bigger but often slower wide receivers in the draft and free agency, but Johnston is proving that height does not always indicate a lack of speed and acceleration.
Lining up opposite Ja’Sir Taylor, Johnston beat him for a 40-yard touchdown. It’s also important to note how impressive Johnston’s ball tracking was on this play. His ability to move downfield, beat Taylor and catch his target over his right shoulder in a tiny window is incredibly difficult. The perfect ball placement from Herbert also helped in this play, but the ball tracking was highly impressive, nonetheless.
Herbert with the deep ball to Quentin Johnston ⚡️🚀 #Chargers pic.twitter.com/P0H1yLq05R
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) July 27, 2023
Day in and out, Johnston has been combatting his pre-draft narrative of being a body catcher. Consistently he catches every type of pass, and the NFL is noticing. Johnston made a beautiful grab outside on the third day of camp, impressing the crowd and coaches with a toe drag that secured the catch.
Quentin Johnston with the Toe Drag Swag 😎
The Chargers offense is going to be nice this season 😮💨
pic.twitter.com/bFfPH6gpv0— PFF (@PFF) July 29, 2023
Johnston has also been standing out while practicing jet sweeps and check-downs. His footwork, combined with speed and agility, makes it easier to utilize him in multiple different ways – but it’s in space where he truly shines. Herbert has stated that they will be throwing the ball down the field this season.
