The Chargers 2023 draft class was very impressive from top to bottom, but in the current state of the roster, how much of an impact will these rookies really make? From first-round selection Quentin Johnston to seventh-round quarterback Max Duggan, every rookie will find their role on this Chargers squad.
Chargers Rookies Stat Lines, Role Projections
Quentin Johnston
With the 21st selection in the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Quentin Johnston. Johnston is a big-body receiver with athleticism that pops on tape. He can turn any simple hitch route into a 20-yard gain. His speed, quickness, and agility led him to be a dangerous threat in the passing game. He is exactly what was missing in this Charger receiving corps last year, and seems to fit in as the bona fide wide receiver three.
The hiring of talented offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will have the Chargers airing the ball out further down the field, and using Quentin Johnston’s speed as a big factor in the deep and underneath game. Although, it won’t be easy yardage for the first-round rookie, as he is the third receiver behind veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. This combined with the fact he has Joshua Palmer breathing down his neck for snaps, won’t make it easy for Quentin Johnston to be a bonafide superstar in his first year with the Chargers.
2023 Stat Predictions:
- 45 Catches
- 725 Yards
- 6 Touchdowns
- 7 Drops
Herbert to Quentin Johnston ⚡️⚡️⚡️💨@MrJohnston____ @chargers pic.twitter.com/qRo8iIXkze
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) July 26, 2023
Tuli Tuipulotu
With the 54th selection in the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Tuli Tuipulotu. Tuipulotu is a very talented rusher who is versatile enough to play both the 4i role and the pure EDGE role. With his versatility, he brings a quick first step and explosion to lead to a very strong speed-to-power move that can bulldoze opposing offensive tackles.
His role with this team is likely as the EDGE3 behind the aging Khalil Mack, and injury-prone Joey Bosa. Lots of snaps are in the fold for Tuli Tuipulotu, and the Chargers are relying on the 20-year-old USC product to produce.
2023 Stat Predictions:
- 30 Tackles
- 4 Tackles For Loss
- 3.5 Sacks
- 15 Pressures
- 1 Forced Fumble
Daiyan Henley
With the 85th selection in the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Daiyan Henley. Henley brings speed, upside, and tackling ability as the third-round linebacker for the Chargers. He is newer to the position, playing on the offensive side of the ball before turning into a bone-crushing downhill threat of a linebacker. Henley has great speed and hitting ability, as well as an immaculate special teams presence.
His role with the Chargers will likely go as LB3 who splits time with former first-round selection Kenneth Murray, as well as a special teams all-star. If Kenneth Murray doesn’t improve, we will likely see more Henley by the end of the season. There is also plenty of linebacker depth on this team, so Henley will have a lot of competition.
2023 Stat Predictions:
- 40 Tackles
- 1.5 Sacks2 Tackles For Loss
- 1 Forced Fumble
- Over 70% of Special Teams Snaps
Derius Davis
Derius Davis joins Quentin Johnston as another Chargers rookie wide receiver. Davis is a small receiver who can bring immediate juice to the return game, as well as to the vertical passing game. Davis possesses legit 4.3 speed, and the ability to make plays with manufactured touches, like jet sweeps, end-arounds, and screens.
The role Davis will see for the 2023 Chargers, will likely be special teams return specialist with some snaps on offense to give all-star quarterback, Justin Herbert a deep threat to throw bombs to. Davis is expected to start at both kick and punt returns, and I fully expect to have a large impact for Ryan Ficken’s group.
2023 Stat Predictions:
- 3 Catches
- 60 Yards
- 1 Touchdown
- 30 Rushing Yards
- 1 Return Touchdown
- 27 Yards Per Kick Return
- 7.5 Yards Per Punt Return
.@TCUFootball WR Derius Davis can FLY. ✈️
4.37u is the fastest of the day so far.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/G4N6JnUJfJ— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2023
Jordan McFadden
The Chargers continued to add rookie talent to the offensive line with Jordan McFadden. McFadden is a 23-year-old, shorter offensive tackle who uses his natural leverage to his advantage. He is tough, strong, and quite agile for his size. He can play both offensive tackle and guard, and projects as a guard for the Chargers.
Barring injury, McFadden will likely be a reserve lineman, playing as the OT4 and swing guard if either of last year’s draft picks, Jamaree Salyer or Zion Johnson go down. I expect him to be out there for six linemen packages, mauling tight ends, and playing on special teams for the field goal unit.
2023 Stat Predictions:
- 1 Game Started
- 100 Special Teams/Offensive Snaps
Scott Matlock
With the 200th selection in the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Scott Matlock. Matlock is a 6′-4″ sub 300-pound interior defensive lineman with a great first step and elite athleticism. His athleticism paired with his relentless effort was enough to have the Chargers place a sixth-round selection to develop him.
Matlock is likely to play a small rotational role on the Chargers defensive line, lining up all across this defensive line. He also brings some offensive versatility if Kellen Moore so wishes to choose him as the jumbo tight end in red zone packages. Matlock will be very interesting to see progress.
2023 Stat Predictions:
- 10 Tackles
- 1 Tackles For Loss
- .5 Sacks
- 4 Pressures
- 1 Receiving Touchdown?
Max Duggan
Capping off the Chargers rookies is quarterback Max Duggan. Duggan brings a highly athletic skillset to the Chargers quarterback room, running an elite 4.52 40-yard dash. He can create plays with his legs, showing willingness and toughness in his rushing ability. He doesn’t have the strongest arm or the best processing skills, but he has a lot of athletic talent to become a good depth piece for the Chargers.
Duggan will be fighting for the QB2 job in preseason and camp but likely will be delegated to QB3. During the week of practice for games, Duggan can play a big role in the Chargers preparing for more mobile quarterbacks. Duggan will likely not contribute at all on the stat sheet this season, but his leadership and his skillset for practice against mobile quarterbacks will definitely give him a role outside of gameday.
2023 Stat Predictions:
- Clipboard Holder of the Year
- Leadership Ability
- Maybe Some Taysom Hill-esque packages?
- Practice MVP
Jokes aside, there is a lot to be excited about with the Chargers rookies. With dynamic playmakers like Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis, and versatile defenders like Tuli Tuipulotu and Daiyan Henley, all sides of the ball should improve. Chargers fans should be very excited about the roles these rookies will play, and where this team will go with the help of the 2023 draft class.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
