NFL.com projects Quentin Johnston's rookie season stats

The Chargers used their first-round draft pick, the 21st overall, to choose receiver Quentin Johnston. After all, management later made Justin Herbert the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, so why not give him more options?

Johnston was the second receiver selected in the draft. Seattle picked Ohio State star Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 20. Coincidentally, both wideouts played their high school football in Texas.

So should Charger fans expect a lot of production from Quentin Johnston during his rookie season? NFL.com projected that the new wideout could put up some nice numbers as defenses pay attention to more established receivers.

Here’s the scoop from NFL.com:

Best-case scenario: The attention Keenan Allen and Mike Williams draw from defenses allows Johnston the chance to take advantage of favorable matchups. He explodes on the scene as a rookie because of his ability to gather in deep passes and out-quick smaller defenders on shorter routes.

Worst-case scenario: The inconsistent hands Johnston displayed at TCU reappear, stunting his growth as a playmaker. Justin Herbert has to lean on the more reliable Allen and Williams.

Projected stats: 55 receptions for 750 yards, 6 TDs.

Staley said of Quentin Johnston ‘he belongs out there’

So far in two preseason games, Quentin Johnston has only caught passes from backup Easton Stick. Herbert hasn’t seen the field so far in games, but there have been many practices. Chargers coach Brandon Staley likes what he sees from the rookie receiver.

“I’m really pleased with his development,” Staley told reporters. “He’s shown on the practice field that he belongs out there. He’s made plays consistently throughout training camp. And, really, throughout the springtime to training camp. He just needs to stay on track of improving. This was a great camp for him.

“He showed great stamina throughout camp, being able to be healthy throughout camp and work through all the things you have to work through as a rookie. He’s got real toughness. He practices really hard. He’s studying. He’s learning how to study and prepare. The learning curve is huge coming from college for that position.”

Johnston was dominant playing for upstart TCU. In the CFP semifinals against Michigan, he caught six passes for a whopping 163 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown. His preseason stats have been mundane in comparison. Stick targeted him six times in the opener against the Rams. Johnston caught three of the passes with a TD. Stick threw Johnston’s way three times against the Saints. And he caught all three.

Although he’s only seen game action with Stick, Johnston said he knows he has good chemistry with Herbert.

“I feel like he trusts me, for sure,” he told reporters. “Obviously, it’s still a work in progress. I’m still fairly new. I, obviously, haven’t been in a full game situation with him, but I feel like it’s up there.”

Given Herbert threw for 4,739 yards last season, there probably will be plenty of passes for Quentin Johnston to pad his stats. So the NFL.com projection might not be far off.