The most important position in the wide receiving room is arguably the “X” spot. This spot is usually the first in read progressions, and garners double teams. A prototypical “X” receiver would be a guy like CeeDee Lamb. A throwback name that comes to mind is Andre Johnson. Guys who can do it all, but really capture that ball no matter how difficult the catch is. That being said, the Los Angeles Chargers recently just moved on from both of their top two receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Williams fits the prototypical “X” receiver stereotype, however, Allen was also capable of doing so.
The team had plenty of options with how they lined their guys up, giving much-valued flexibility to their offense. However, now that both of those options are gone, who is left to step up?
Who is The Chargers Starting X Receiver in 2024?
Who it Won’t Be: Ladd McConkey & Backup Guys
Ladd McConkey was the Chargers’ second-round selection in 2024, coming in an under-the-radar trade. With plenty of fans and the team itself high on McConkey, the expectation is for him to be the team’s most productive receiver, or close to it. However, he will not be the “X” receiver for the Chargers. His skillset is very much of a slot or a “Z” type of receiver, where he can use his speed and route running ability on two-way go’s, and more creative route combinations. McConkey will definitely be an electric playmaker for this 2024 Chargers offense, but his production will likely come from every spot but the aforementioned “X”.
Moving on from McConkey, the backup Chargers receivers will likely not become the starter, especially at the “X” spot, barring injury. Guys like Cornelius Johnson, Simi Fehoko, and UDFA Leon Johnson all have the skill set to be an “X” but will not receive the starting nod, barring a miracle or injury. Look for Cornelius Johnson to be the direct backup, and the one to step up if something were to happen.
The Remaining Candidates for the Chargers X Receiver Spot
Joshua Palmer
The most obvious choice for the Bolts is former third-round selection, Joshua Palmer. The former Tennessee star is in line to be the Chargers’ #1 receiver no matter how you slice it, as he is the most experienced with Justin Herbert and has produced at a very high level dating back to 2022. Palmer is 6’1 with a very well-rounded skillset, that is very reminiscent of his on-field mentor, Keenan Allen. Palmer has a very nuanced route-running ability, with a strong release package. Combining this with his ability to make tough catches and read zones, he is a very reliable weapon for Herbert.
The main concern with Palmer is his health, as he has missed many games with injuries in his few years with the team. Combine this with Palmer’s ability to play all three wide receiving spots, he may serve better in the other two spots than the “X”. However, he is no doubt the Chargers’ best receiver, so his case for the “X” is still very strong.
Josh Palmer pic.twitter.com/msiTsl5eB8
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) June 5, 2024
Quentin Johnston
One of the most controversial rookies of the entire 2023 draft class was then-Chargers first-round selection, Quentin Johnston. The 6’4 receiver had a nightmarish rookie season and needs quite the sophomore campaign to prove his doubters wrong. Becoming the Chargers starting “X” receiving would be something that many would consider a good scenario for Johnston, however, I do not share that sentiment.
Johnston has the prototypical size, speed, and strength ability of an “X” receiver, giving him the easy pass on the “eye test”. Outside of the “eye test” Johnston’s fit at the “X” spot is very much like fitting a square peg in a round hole. The second-year player’s worst tape was of him at the “X” spot, and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could not give up the dream of Johnston being the “X” of the future for the Bolts.
The TCU receiver gets beat up in press, and the “X” spot will have him see majority press. Furthermore, Johnston does not have that “alpha” mentality with the ball in the air. This is crucial for “X” receivers. The route for QJ becoming to starting “X” receiver would be either coaching malpractice or major development in his game from year one to year two. Look for Johnston to be the Chargers starting “Z”.
Johnston as a “Z”:
Quentin Johnston vs Bail tech. Vertical press before using a rocker step at the top of his stem to create separation as he breaks on the in-cut!
He has everything you can’t teach but can learn the things he doesn’t excel at. #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/r5SdC0kNEE
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) August 21, 2023
DJ Chark
The last of the options would be post-draft signee, DJ Chark. Chark brings immense size and speed, even more than Johnston. At 6’4 with a 4.34 40, Chark’s ability more than passes the eye test. Chark also is the most experienced receiver in the entire room, even boasting a 1,000-yard season in 2019. Chark has not been the same since his injury in 2021, but his opportunities in Detroit and Carolina have been lackluster. The Chargers will likely yield more opportunities than he has had since his 700-yard campaign in 2020.
The main issue with Chark is his ability to separate. He was not very good at creating any separation for his quarterback, and that was more apparent than ever during his last stint in Carolina. However, a struggling rookie quarterback and a poor offense in its entirety is a recipe for his disaster. A major turnaround for Chark would be unlikely, but an improvement in play is.
It's crazy how much production Bryce Young got with DJ Chark today with minuscule separation
Seriously impressive pic.twitter.com/TFdJxr8Rej
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) December 24, 2023
His case for the “X” receiver spot is much higher than he has been given. He is the only receiver on the roster with size, speed, and the ability to pluck the ball out of the air. He would be a Mike Williams-esque target for Herbert. The likely outcome for the entire room is likely lining up based on the situation, and Palmer, QJ, and Chark will all be intriguing options at the “X” spot.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
