The Athletic's Daniel Popper believes new Chargers OC Mike McDaniel's offense "could unlock" WR Quentin Johnston. "I see a ton of potential for Johnston in this offense," Popper writes. "McDaniel prioritizes yards after the catch in his passing scheme. He wants the ball into the hands of receivers as fast as possible. This is great news for Johnston, who is most dangerous in these situations. I do not believe any Chargers offense has truly taken advantage of this part of Johnston’s skills."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Johnston has potentially been miscast over the first three NFL seasons, registering average target depths of 13.0, 11.9, and 13.0 yards. He’s totaled just 18 screen targets, including 2 last year, and averaged 4.8 yards after catch per reception.
Johnston averaged 8.3 yards after catch per reception in college, including 8.9 in his big 2022 season. He saw 22 screen targets that year, averaging 8.3 yards per reception and 11.6 yards after the catch per reception.
Here’s what we wrote about Johnston in his scouting report ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft:
“Johnston is at his best with the ball in his hands. In fact, he’s one of the most exciting after-catch WR prospects in recent memory. The 215-pounder is in attack mode as soon as he secures the ball. He regularly uses this head-fake spin move to avert defenders before turning upfield. Johnston has no issue fighting through contact to pick up extra yards and possesses a pretty nasty stiff arm. Most impressive, though, is his agility. He cuts and accelerates like a much smaller WR.”
Johnston could certainly be in for a career year in McDaniel’s offense. And, while drafters have pushed RB Omarion Hampton, WR Ladd McConkey, and QB Justin Herbert up draft boards, Johnston remains reasonably priced at a WR38 ADP.
