NFL

2023 NFL Draft grades: Chargers pick Quentin Johnston at No. 21 overall; what L.A. is getting in TCU WR

by
SaC Bot
April 27, 2023

The Los Angeles Chargers have brought in a new target for Justin Herbert to throw to, as general manager Tom Telesco selected former TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

A former four-star recruit out of Temple High School in Texas, the big-bodied Johnston got better and better in his three seasons at TCU. He was at his best in 2022, as he amassed more than 1,000 receiving yards and six touchdowns to help lead the Horned Frogs to the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history.

Johnston came just one pick away from being the first top 20 pick from TCU since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2001. The two-time First Team All-Big 12 player averaged a whopping 19 yards per reception in his career. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Johnston is another big-bodied target that defenses will have to account for.

Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Johnston, including his scouting report, prospect ranking, pro comparison, combine results, college and high school accolades and overall NFL outlook.

NFL Draft grade: C

They needed to get a young receiver, but I think Jordan Addison would have been a better pick. Johnson is a big receiver, but he has issues catching the football at times. I get the pick with Justin Herbert and age creeping in, but I think there were better options and maybe better positions to take. — Pete Prisco

Join us for live 2023 NFL Draft analysis from CBS Sports and an updating NFL Draft tracker. Also check out Pete Prisco’s NFL Draft grades for every first-round pick and subscribe to the “With the First Pick” podcast for nightly recaps, winners and losers and more from Kansas City.

Quentin Johnston draft profile

Age: 21
Hometown: Temple, Texas
Interesting fact: He was longtime head coach Gary Patterson’s second-highest rated recruit during his 20-year tenure at TCU
CBS Sports prospect ranking: No. 14 overall | No. 1 WR | 89.63 rating (Long-term starter)

NFL Combine measurements/results

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 208 lbs | Arms: 33 5/8” | Hands: 9 5/8”

40-yard dash: 4.49 seconds (unofficial pro day time)
Broad jump: 11 feet, 2 inches
Vertical jump: 40.5 inches

NFL comparison

Scouting report

Quentin Johnston is a big-time downfield playmaker whose physicality, speed and athleticism easily translate to the NFL. He’s a high-point-catch machine who can make any young QB’s job immeasurably easier because he’s such a reliable — and enormous — downfield target.

Strengths

Plays above the rim, has high-point-catch ability for days
Enormous frame, and an enormous catch radius, with plus athleticism
Creates separation at top of route, regularly stacks DBs
Thick frame allows him to run through arm tackles on quick screens
Can win on vertical routes and intermediate crossing routes with YAC ability
Threat on end-arounds
Uses body well to shield DB type; will make contested catches look easy at times because of size.
Can make defenders miss in short areas, then gets YAC with open-field speed
Tracks ball as well as anyone on deep throws; can contort body to make awkward catches

Weaknesses

Can struggle with focus drops at times
Needs to be consistently tough going over the middle
Can improve as a blocker
Will need to improve route-running precision at the next level

College stats, accolades

Receiving stats

Year	Games	Rec	Yards	YPC	TD
2022	14	60	1,069	17.8	6
2021	9	43	634	19.2	6
2020	9	22	487	22.1	2

Honors

2022 (vs. Michigan): College Football Playoff Semifinal Offensive MVP (6 rec, 163 yds, 1 TD)
2022 Fourth-team All-American (Phil Steele)
2021-22 Two-time first-team All-Big 12
2020: Honorable Mention All-Big 12