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Over the next few weeks ahead of training camp, I will continue to break down the depth chart for each Chargers position.
Quarterback
Running back
Next, I project what the wide receiver room will look like heading into the 2026 season.
McConkey has quickly established himself as Justin Herbert’s go-to target and one of the most reliable receivers in the league. In 2025, he led the team in receiving yards (789) and added six touchdowns despite some ups and downs and the presence of Keenan Allen, which limited his full-potential production. Heading into 2026, expect McConkey to continue as the focal point of the passing attack.
After a tough rookie season in 2023, Johnston has steadily developed into a consistent contributor. The former first-rounder put together stronger seasons in 2024 and 2025, showing improvement in separation, better hands, and the physicality to win at the catch point. After getting his fifth-year option picked up, he’s poised for another step forward in Mike McDaniel's offense, where his run-after-the-catch skills should be put to good use.
Harris, the 2025 second-round pick, had a solid but limited rookie campaign. He showed flashes as a blocker and vertical threat. Heading into Year 2, Harris should carve out a larger role alongside McConkey and Johnston. He brings another dimension to the room with his size and ability to win on the outside or in the slot.
Drafted in the fourth round out of Mississippi State, Thompson's 4.26 speed gives quarterback Justin Herbert a dangerous vertical weapon. His presence will expand the offense, loosening up defensive coverages to create explosive deep-ball opportunities. With his skill set, Thompson should also push Derius Davis for the return specialist role.
Like Thompson, Lambert-Smith brings solid speed and explosive playmaking. Lambert-Smith, the fifth-round rookie in 2025, served as a situational receiver, which was highlighted by a Week 15 touchdown catch against the Chiefs. Entering his sophomore season, he will be competing for more snaps.
Davis is years removed from his best season, which came in 2023 when he earned First-Team All-Pro honors for his work as a return specialist. He is coming off an injury-plagued and highly disappointing season in 2025. Davis now faces competition for the returner role from Brenen Thompson and possibly running back Keaton Mitchell, which could put his spot in jeopardy.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Projecting the Chargers' wide receiver depth chart in 2026
Continue reading...
Quarterback
Running back
Next, I project what the wide receiver room will look like heading into the 2026 season.
Ladd McConkey
McConkey has quickly established himself as Justin Herbert’s go-to target and one of the most reliable receivers in the league. In 2025, he led the team in receiving yards (789) and added six touchdowns despite some ups and downs and the presence of Keenan Allen, which limited his full-potential production. Heading into 2026, expect McConkey to continue as the focal point of the passing attack.
Quentin Johnston
After a tough rookie season in 2023, Johnston has steadily developed into a consistent contributor. The former first-rounder put together stronger seasons in 2024 and 2025, showing improvement in separation, better hands, and the physicality to win at the catch point. After getting his fifth-year option picked up, he’s poised for another step forward in Mike McDaniel's offense, where his run-after-the-catch skills should be put to good use.
Tre' Harris
Harris, the 2025 second-round pick, had a solid but limited rookie campaign. He showed flashes as a blocker and vertical threat. Heading into Year 2, Harris should carve out a larger role alongside McConkey and Johnston. He brings another dimension to the room with his size and ability to win on the outside or in the slot.
Brenen Thompson
Drafted in the fourth round out of Mississippi State, Thompson's 4.26 speed gives quarterback Justin Herbert a dangerous vertical weapon. His presence will expand the offense, loosening up defensive coverages to create explosive deep-ball opportunities. With his skill set, Thompson should also push Derius Davis for the return specialist role.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Like Thompson, Lambert-Smith brings solid speed and explosive playmaking. Lambert-Smith, the fifth-round rookie in 2025, served as a situational receiver, which was highlighted by a Week 15 touchdown catch against the Chiefs. Entering his sophomore season, he will be competing for more snaps.
Derius Davis
Davis is years removed from his best season, which came in 2023 when he earned First-Team All-Pro honors for his work as a return specialist. He is coming off an injury-plagued and highly disappointing season in 2025. Davis now faces competition for the returner role from Brenen Thompson and possibly running back Keaton Mitchell, which could put his spot in jeopardy.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Projecting the Chargers' wide receiver depth chart in 2026
Continue reading...
