Chargers News: LA Rookies Face Make-or-Break Preseason as Offense Undergoes Major Overhaul
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The Los Angeles Chargers are undergoing a significant transformation in their offense, creating opportunities for new talent to emerge. With the departure of Pro Bowl wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the team is looking to its rookies to step up.
Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer remain the most experienced receivers on the roster. However, the Chargers have added fresh faces through the 2024 NFL Draft, including Brendan Rice from USC and Cornelius Johnson from Michigan.
"The son of NFL GOAT receiver Jerry Rice, the rookie from USC will compete for playing time with the Chargers this preseason," said Brandon Howard of CBS Sports. "Rice is a big-bodied target who can win on the perimeter with physicality, but he leaves a little to be desired in terms of speed and shiftiness. He'll have a chance to flash given the competition he'll face this summer, but it's more likely he'll be a backup in 2024."
Meanwhile, Howard is more optimistic about Cornelius Johnson.
"Johnson followed coach Jim Harbaugh from Michigan to Los Angeles, and it's there he'll compete for playing time this preseason," he explained. "For the Wolverines, Johnson scored 14 touchdowns over five seasons (61 games). He's a bigger receiver (6-foot-2, 212 pounds) with decent speed and agility but didn't show reliable hands in college and needs to work on polishing his game before making an impact in the NFL."
As the Chargers prepare for the upcoming season, these rookies will have the chance to showcase their skills and earn their place on the team. The preseason will be a critical period for them to demonstrate their readiness and contribute to the revamped offense.