Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

New Chargers GM sends message to former first-round pick

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 5/15/24

New Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz made it clear he must see more from second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston before he climbs the depth chart.

This offseason, the Chargers traded six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears) and released former first-round pick Mike Williams (New York Jets) to clear cap space.

Asked Tuesday on "The Up and Adams" show whether Johnston can become a No. 1 wideout, Hortiz indicated he's not ready to assume this role.

Is QUENTIN JOHNSTON ready to be the WR1 for the #chargers??

We asked GM Joe Hortiz…⚡️@heykayadams #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/iNWbOSfHqG
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 15, 2024

"It's up to Quentin what he becomes," Hortiz said." We're gonna push him and work with him and develop him, but I'm not going to anoint Quentin as anything. Quentin's gonna develop and show what he is to the league and to everyone out there, but I believe in his work ethic and his talent. He's got a high ceiling for sure."

Los Angeles selected Johnston with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, ahead of Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers (pick No. 22). Thus far, that choice looks like a mistake.

Johnston had 38 receptions for 431 yards and two TD catches in 17 games last season. Flowers, meanwhile, looked like a budding star, recording 77 receptions for 858 yards and five TD catches in 16 games.

The Chargers drafted Georgia WR Ladd McConkey in the second round (pick No. 34). They also recently signed former Pro Bowler D.J. Chark Jr. to a one-year, $3M deal. Hortiz insists L.A. still believes in Johnston's upside, but both pass-catchers provide some competition for the 22-year-old.

Johnston could still turn things around, but it must happen quickly. Otherwise, his playing time may dwindle, and some could label him a bust.

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