Player chosen as 'make or break' option for Chargers will bring mixed feelings

The Los Angeles Chargers have built a solid roster to take into the 2025 season, and many feel the team is on the cusp of becoming a true contender. But to win it all, teams need to be complete from top to bottom. 

Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently took a look at every roster in the league and named a 'make or break' player from each. Wasserman described these as players at a career crossroads that can make or break a team's season. 

How would you feel, as a fan of the Chargers, if the season were riding on third-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston? There likely wouldn't be a high level of confidence from most. But that is the player Wasserman selected. 

"Johnston has underwhelmed through his first two seasons in Los Angeles. He’s accrued at least 60 receiving yards in just three of his 33 career games. Though his 68.2 PFF receiving grade in 2024 was an improvement from his dreadful rookie season, it still falls short of expectations for a former first-round pick. The team has a top option in Ladd McConkey and continues to search for complementary options, such as 2025 second-rounder Tre Harris, so Johnston needs to avoid further struggles to stay in the starting lineup", wrote Wasserman. 

The Chargers likely don't plan to rely too heavily on Johnston based on what they have seen in his first two seasons, hence the team drafting Tre Harris in the second round. Instead, Johnston will serve as more of a depth option and could be relegated to the No. 4 wide receiver in the pecking order behind Ladd McConkey, Harris and Mike Williams. 

Johnston did find the end zone eight times last season, and that was about the only thing he had to write home about. He still struggles with drops and gaining separation. 

The Chargers could decide to use him down in the red zone as he can use his big body to go up and make plays that result in points, but don't look for the team to put him out on the field on an every-down basis, he may have already blown that chance in the league. 

It will be hard for him to make or break the season with that being the case, as he will be more of a back-end of the roster guy than many fans may currently realize. 

MORE CHARGERS CONTENT

Chargers predicted to make move to acquire $97.5 million cornerback in reactionary move

What is the greatest Chargers team in franchise history?

The hype for Chargers rookie tight end is officially out of control

Chargers announce new alternate uniforms to be released this summer

Chargers move on from offensive lineman, bring in immediate replacement