Charges Add Deep Threat WR Brenen Thompson

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 25 2026 4:30 PM UTC

The Chargers selected Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson in Round 4 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Thompson is tiny: 5’9 and 164 pounds. That’s a first percentile weight among all WRs at the Combine since 1999. There have only been five 1,000-yard seasons from sub-170-pound WRs in NFL history. So Thompson would be an outlier if he delivers big fantasy numbers. But there’s plenty to like about his profile. He led Mississippi State and the entire SEC with 1,054 receiving yards last year. Thompson’s 34.3% dominator rating (share of his team’s receiving yards + TDs) ranked eighth among the 49 WRs invited to this year’s Combine. His 2.77 yards per route ranked seventh. Thompson blazed a 4.26-second 40 time at the Combine – and that speed shows up on tape. He ranked 11th in the country in yards (478) and TDs (5) on targets 20+ yards downfield last year. Thompson’s size figures to be a limiting factor in the NFL. But there’s enough speed and skill here for Thompson to at least emerge as a spike-week player for fantasy teams.

What They're Saying

Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “At 5’9 and 164 pounds, Thompson wins with pure acceleration and deep-ball tracking, not size or physicality. The lack of sustained production and his thin frame highlight the downside risk.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

Thompson goes to a loaded WR group with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris. Thompson’s elite speed could make him an occasional deep threat who can hit the big play.

His ability to run a multitude of deep routes fits new OC Mike McDaniel's offense.

He lacks redraft upside unless injuries happen in front of him.

Dynasty Impact

Thompson likely profiles as a deep threat only, but his ability to get open makes him an intriguing option late in rookie drafts.

He could certainly emerge as a player the Chargers want to get on the field to force two Safeties back. Taking Thompson in the late third round of rookie drafts could pay off long term.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.