The Los Angeles Chargers underwent some major changes during the 2024 NFL offseason. The biggest one came on the sidelines, where Jim Harbaugh will be replacing Brandon Staley as head coach.
Naturally, people will be keeping an eye on how Harbaugh transitions back to the NFL after spending nine seasons as head coach at his alma mater, Michigan. But, after the team wrapped up OTAs and mandatory minicamp, there is one question that looms.
Who will be the team’s No. 1 receiver this season? In the opinion of Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, that is the biggest question facing the Los Angeles Chargers heading into the next phase of the offseason program.
It is hard to argue against that seeing how much turnover occurred at the position this offseason. Keenan Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears and Mike Williams was released as a cap casualty.
The most experienced holdover from 2023 is Joshua Palmer, who had his moments stepping into the lineup when injuries occurred. Behind him is 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston, who was a disappointment as a rookie, and 2024 second-round pick Ladd McConkey. Right now, it is Palmer and McConkey standing out.
“After two unsuccessful plays, Herbert converted a third-and-long to McConkey, who beat slot corner Ja’Sir Taylor on an out route,” Daniel Popper of The Athletic wrote. “… Herbert then found McConkey for another conversion. This time, McConkey beat Taylor on a slant. The series ended with Herbert finding Palmer on a dig.”
In addition to the wide receiver changes, the Los Angeles Chargers also moved on from tight end Gerald Everett and running back Austin Ekeler. Both had become go-to options in the passing game for Justin Herbert, who will be working with almost an entirely new pass-catching group.
It would behoove Harbaugh and company to get the ground game going like they intend to. That would be Herbert’s best friend in 2024 as some regression in the passing game is expected with his top two targets from the last few years being moved on from.
A bounce-back sophomore season from Johnston would be huge for the franchise moving forward. The Los Angeles Chargers selected him last year ahead of Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison, who were selected by the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings with the next two picks.
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