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Joey Pollizze looks at the Los Angeles Chargers' current wide receiver situation and who is their WR1 heading into 2024.
The Los Angeles Chargers made some significant changes on offense this season, especially at the wide receiver position. They traded away Keenan Allen and cut Mike Williams. These moves, though, had to be made as the team was over the cap space entering the year.
As a result, the Chargers' wide receiver group could look a little different in 2024. With Los Angeles also not signing a wideout in free agency, its options will be limited this upcoming season.
Who is the Chargers' current WR1? Who could be their WR1 in Week 1? Let's dive in and find out.
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Who is the Chargers' Current WR1?
The Chargers will enter the 2024 campaign with a clear weakness at the wide receiver position. They only have four wideouts on their roster (Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, and Simi Fehoko), none of which are really a WR1 in the league. Palmer and Johnston, though, are the likeliest to battle for that WR1 role heading into training camp -- as of now.
Palmer has played three seasons with the Chargers, totaling 143 catches for 1,703 yards and nine touchdowns. Last season, he caught 38 passes for 581 yards and two touchdowns. He has a strong chance to be Justin Herbert's top target in 2024.
#Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh was asked about his WR room.... Feels like mid-answer he remembered they don't have Keenan Allen and Mike Williams there anymore. pic.twitter.com/wZyKn9bt9T
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 4, 2024
However, Johnston will likely be the Chargers' top wideout in 2024. Despite not showing any potential in his rookie season, the talent is there. He was the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after totaling 1,069 yards and six touchdowns in his final college season at TCU. Yes, the 22-year-old had plenty of drops and caught just 38 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns in Year 1. However, there's a chance he will show some growth in Year 2.
Who will be the Chargers' WR1 in Week 1?
Palmer and Johnston might be fighting for the Chargers' WR1 job, but there is no way either will be the team's top receiver when training camp starts. With Los Angeles owning the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the consensus amongst analysts is that they will select a wideout at that spot.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers could be a potential selection with that pick. Nabers is one of the top prospects in this draft class and has the tools to be a star wideout in the NFL for many years. He totaled 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final college season. That campaign helped him rise up draft boards.
Star LSU WR Malik Nabers is looking for houses in the Los Angeles area while he’s there for a visit with the #Chargers… 👀
(h/t: @_MLFootball) pic.twitter.com/JIKMzxbtML
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 4, 2024
Nabers currently remains the favorite to land with the Chargers at five. Los Angeles desperately needs a wide receiver, and he would be the perfect fit on an offense with Herbert. The LSU product would immediately step in and be the team's WR1.
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