When looking at the roster of the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the 2024 NFL season, no position has been discussed more than wide receiver.
After trading away Keenan Allen and allowing Mike Williams to leave in free agency, it seemed obvious that the team would draft either Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft. But Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh had other ideas.
As the offseason has gone on and fans come across material talking about positions each team still needs to address and things of that nature, wide receiver is often mentioned as what the Chargers still need more of.
How does the team's depth chart currently shape up? Is it really that bad?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver depth chart ahead of training camp
1. Josh Palmer
Josh Palmer is the team's de facto No. 1 receiver at the moment, but he's not a No. 1 guy. He might not even be a No. 2 guy for most teams. But he has shown flashes of being a big contributor.
He caught 72 passes in 2022 but had only 38 last season. He'll need to be much more like he was two years ago this season.
2. Quentin Johnston
It's hard to get excited about this guy after watching him play as a rookie, but the Chargers are going to rely on the traits that made him a first-round pick. He'll need to be much, much better, though.
3. Ladd McConkey
Ladd McConkey is easily the guy to be most excited about on this list. The team traded up to select him in the second round and expectations are going to be high, even if he is a rookie.
4. D.J. Chark
Many analysts continue to state that the Chargers need to add a veteran option through free agency. What's wrong with D.J. Chark?
This could end up being a great under-the-radar move for the team.
5. Derius Davis
The Chargers liked TCU receivers in the 2023 draft, drafting Johnston and then selecting Derius Davis in the fourth round. Davis caught just 15 passes for 66 yards.
Like Johnston, much more will be expected from him in year two.
6. Simi Fehoko
Simi Fehoko has some NFL playing experience but he is just a placeholder for all of the young talent behind him on this list.
7. Brenden Rice
Brenden Rice gets the next slot on this list for name value and nothing else. He's Jerry Rice's son, so that counts for something. But he might have a tough time earning a spot on this roster.
Brenden Rice will make 31 teams pay for letting him slip to round 7.
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) May 26, 2024
Just remeber who told you this entire time. pic.twitter.com/n21MY6VCYB
8. Cornelius Johnson
If Cornelius Johnson can block and play special teams, he might actually have a better chance of making this team than Rice. He is a former Michigan player under Harbaugh.
9-11. Jaelen Gill, Leon Johnson, Jaylen Johnson
A trio of undrafted free agents who are all playing for spots on the practice squad.
12. Praise Olatoke
He may not make the team, but he's going to be one of the most fun players to watch this preseason. However, of all of the "projects" on this team, he is easily the most intriguing.
