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When should I draft a certain player in fantasy football?
That's a question often asked in the pre-draft process as fantasy managers attempt to build a league-winning roster. This is not one of those times.
The question today is whether you should draft Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston at all, one season removed from a dreadful rookie campaign.
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Quentin Johnston 2024 Fantasy Outlook
The glimmer of hope for Quentin Johnston's career is fading quickly. The Chargers' new front office moved on from leading wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason, opening the door for Johnston to become a full-time starter. That was seemingly the plan of the old management when they spent the 21st overall on the TCU Horned Frog in the 2023 NFL Draft. He's not taking advantage of the opportunity.
Rookie second-round pick Ladd McConkey, free-agent addition D.J. Chark, and holdover Joshua Palmer are establishing themselves as the top trio in training camp, leaving Johnston battling for a backup spot. He's not in danger of missing the team, but it doesn't bode well for Johnston to be competing with kick returner Derius Davis and rookies Jaylen Johnson and Brenden Rice.
What went wrong for one of last year's top receiver prospects? Drops were a big issue and reportedly continue to be a problem in training camp.
An unfun QJ drop on a beautiful ball from Herbert. pic.twitter.com/aprNPv0TqP
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) July 29, 2024
Per PlayerProfiler, Johnston suffered a 4.5% drop rate last season, including one against Green Bay that essentially cost the Chargers a win. Couple that with a low target separation (1.28 yards) and contested catch rate (33.3%), and you have a receiver that isn't doing much good on the football field. That led to a final tally of 38 receptions, 481 yards, and two touchdowns.
Should You Draft Quentin Johnston In Fantasy Football?
McConkey and Palmer are good values at their ADP. Someone has to catch passes in Los Angeles, although Jim Harbaugh and Co. have historically relied on a dedicated rushing attack. Justin Herbert is also dealing with a plantar fascia injury. He should be ready to go by Week 1. If not, relying on any Chargers' pass catcher will be difficult, let alone one buried on the depth chart.
Justin Herbert is still in the walking boot. He’s out at practice watching from the sideline.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 13, 2024
Johnston doesn't need to be selected in regular-sized redraft leagues. Fantasy managers can take the chance on him becoming a deep-ball specialist in formats with deep benches, but he isn't high on the priority list. Even in dynasty leagues, the clock is ticking on Johnston being an asset.
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