Next on the list is Canadian Wide Receiver, Josh Palmer who projects as a respectable option at the position for the Los Angeles Chargers. So far, he had impressed in both training camp and preseason showings, which may allow him to see more time than was originally expected. In two games against the Washington Football Team and Dallas Cowboys, Palmer completed three receptions of 38 yards for a 100% catch rate. Let’s take a look at the path to the NFL for this potential draft gem for the Chargers.
Canadian NFL Profile: Wide Receiver Josh Palmer
Background of a Canadian Charger
Born in Brampton, Ontario, on September 22, 1999, Palmer attended St. Roch Catholic School as a multi-sport athlete in track and field, basketball, and football. He played both wide receiver and defensive back, helping his team to two junior varsity titles while being named his schools’ junior athlete of the year in the tenth grade. Palmer transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas High School for his final two high school years where he received a three-star recruit rating. He also received 2016 Florida Class 7A All-State Second Team honors and led his team to a Florida 7A State Title. Palmer received the Emmon Love Athletic Memorial Endowed Scholarship. He committed to the University of Tennessee after de-committing from Syracuse University.
University Achievements and Awards
During his colligate career, Palmer compiled 99 receptions of 1514 yards with seven touchdowns. He also managed eight rushing attempts of 37 yards with one touchdown. In his Sophomore season, Palmer was part of the VOLeaders Academy Class, which strives to develop positive student leaders and athletes. He also was nominated to the Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll during his Junior year. Palmer was invited to both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.
Draft Projection and Selection
The Chargers selected Palmer 77th overall in the third round of the 2021 NFL Entry Draft. He went undrafted in the CFL despite being the best Canadian prospect. He subsequently signed a four-year, $5,033,458 rookie contract with the team. NFL Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein had predicted Palmer to be a fourth-round selection. At the NFL Combine, he completed the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 2.44 seconds. Palmer ran the 20-yard split in 2.64 seconds and the 10-yard split in 1.59 seconds. He completed the Three-cone drill in 6.89 six-point nine-eight seconds and had a Vertical jump of 34.0 inches and a Broad jump of 10 feet 4 inches.
Scouting reports suggest that Palmer lacks speed and quickness, but makes up for it with size and physical play. He can make high levels of difficult catches and has shown great maneuverability to outfox defenders on routes. He is a consistent vertical threat on deep balls, with high intelligence for selecting routes to run. While he has a lot of ability Palmer’s production has been consistently been average to below average compared to expectations. He can be a solid backup, with the potential to be a starter if the Chargers can continue his development.
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