Former TCU Horned Frog Quentin Johnston’s NFL career has already taken several twists and turns since he was drafted in the first round in 2023. As a rookie, he flashed promise but remained a tertiary option in a crowded Los Angeles Chargers receiving corps, finishing with 38 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns.
In year two, Johnston entered as the presumed WR1, yet inconsistency and costly drops opened the door for breakout rookie Ladd McConkey to emerge as Justin Herbert’s top target. Even
so, Johnston carved out a productive season of his own, recording 55 receptions for 711 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns, though his seven drops and 60.4 percent catch rate underscored his ongoing struggles with reliability.
Year three shaped up as a make-or-break season for the 24-year-old receiver. The Chargers spent a second-round pick (No. 55 overall) on Ole Miss wideout Tre Harris and reunited with longtime star Keenan Allen in the offseason, raising the competition around Johnston. There was a real belief that the former first-rounder would tumble down the depth chart.
Nonetheless, the Chargers’ week-one opener told a different story. Johnston caught a 33-yard pass on the second play of Los Angeles’ first drive before capping it off with a five-yard touchdown reception on a crossing pattern.
Midway through the third quarter, Johnston’s third reception went for 14 yards on a crucial third-and-long, bringing the Chargers within a yard of the sticks. Later on, in the fourth quarter, up by only two points, Johnston caught a four-yard pass before icing the game with a 23-yard score to put Los Angeles up by eight.
Johnston finished the game with a team-leading 79 yards and two touchdowns. The third-year pro hauled in five receptions on seven targets. With his role in the Chargers’ offense under scrutiny, Johnston still logged 82 percent of the snaps—second among the team’s receivers. After week one (sans for Monday Night Football), Johnston ranks first in touchdown receptions and 15th in yards. Although it’s early, Johnston has already solidified himself as the Chargers’ game-breaking receiver. Not too shabby of a role with Herbert behind center.
