Dating all the way back to their last four years in San Diego, the Los Angeles Chargers have had wide receiver Keenan Allen around to anchor their passing game. For the past seven years, Allen has been paired with WR Mike Williams. Both are gone. Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears in March, and Williams signed with the New York Jets in free agency. In addition, tight end Gerald Everett (Bears) and running back Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders), who combined for 102 receptions last year, have departed as well.
While it’s not quite a complete overhaul for quarterback Justin Herbert, it’s close, and that doesn’t even consider the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mark Roman, a duo that’s known for their physical brand of football. So, is it all doom and gloom for LA’s passing attack in 2024, or will some new Chargers step to the forefront?
Joshua Palmer
Coming off a season in which he caught 38 passes for 581 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Palmer is the top returning receiver for the Bolts. While the former third-rounder was penciled in as the No. 3 receiver the past two seasons, injuries moved him into expanded roles — Allen missed seven games in 2022, and Williams missed 14 games last year. Unfortunately for Palmer, a knee injury landed him on IR for six games in 2023, which prevented him from topping his 72-769-3 effort from the previous campaign.
While Palmer might have the lowest amount of name recognition amongst LA’s top receivers, he has a real shot to be the most productive. He’s banked a lot of reps with Herbert, proving he can come down with big catches. At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Palmer has good size and reliable hands. He lacks deep speed, however, so expect him to continue doing most of work in the short to intermediate range.
Ladd McConkey
Holding the fifth overall pick, the Chargers had the chance to take WRs Malik Nabers (New York Giants) or Rome Odunze (Bears). They passed on both wideouts to draft an offensive lineman. In Round 2, the Bolts looked to address their need by selecting McConkey. Although a bit undersized, McConkey plays a physical brand of football. He has the toughness to make plays in traffic and the speed to get deep.
McConkey is considered an excellent route runner, and the club believes he can contribute as a rookie, perhaps taking over Allen’s role of being a high-volume, possession target. Durability is a concern after he dealt with back and ankle injuries at Georgia, but the opportunity is there.
Quentin Johnston
The 21st overall pick last year, Johnston did little as a rookie. Despite injuries to Allen, Williams, and Palmer, the TCU product posted just 38 receptions, 431 yards, and two TDs while topping 50 yards in a game only twice. His hands were a liability, and things haven’t improved much under the new regime. Johnston has dealt with drops in training camp, and he has been working with the second-team offense. Although it’s far too soon to dismiss a player with Johnston’s raw ability, not to mention his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame, he’s been trending in the wrong direction.
DJ Chark Jr.
Chark is a true journeyman, suiting up with his fourth different club in as many seasons. He spent last year with the Carolina Panthers, catching 35 balls for 525 yards and five TDs, and was with the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars before that. He has one 1,000-yard season on his resume, but that came back in 2019, and in four seasons since he’s averaged 472 yards per year while dealing with various injuries that cost him 24 games. Chark has been running ahead of Johnston in camp, and he does possess some bona fide deep-ball skills.
Fantasy football outlook
Looking at this group, McConkey and Palmer are the likeliest to emerge as Herbert’s go-to guy. Palmer has three seasons under his belt with Herbert and is a reliable target. McConkey has more upside, and more speed, which gives him a higher ceiling. The rookie would be an interesting target as your fifth receiver with upside, while Palmer would be more of a final-round selection for depth.
Before training camp began, perhaps you could’ve convinced yourself to take a flier on Johnston, but at this point he should go undrafted in most formats. Chark is a long shot to stay healthy and productive. He’s of no interest.
