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Do The Chargers Need Another Prominent Wide Receiver?

Originally posted on The Cold Wire | By Robert Marvi | Last updated 5/5/22

The Los Angeles Chargers look to have the makings of a team that could win the AFC West and seriously contend for a spot in Super Bowl LVII.

They have an MVP-caliber quarterback in Justin Herbert, and they went out and drastically remade their defense in free agency.

The additions of pass rusher Khalil Mack and cornerback J.C. Jackson will make L.A. much stronger on that side of the football.

It also drafted guard Zion Johnson with the 17th overall pick in last week’s NFL Draft in an attempt to give Herbert better protection.

But some fans have been wondering whether the Chargers also need some help at wide receiver.

Los Angeles Has A Nice Wideout Tandem

In Keenan Allen, the Chargers already have a man who is considered one of the best wideouts in pro football.

Ever since he was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Allen has emerged as the team’s biggest weapon in the air.

In 2021, he posted 1,138 yards, his fifth season of at least 1,000 yards, which got him his fifth-straight selection to the Pro Bowl.

Mike Williams, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft, has also developed nicely as a very adept WR2, and he will be remaining with L.A. on a new contract he just signed.

After a quiet first two seasons in the NFL, he put up his best season in 2021 with 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns.

At 6-foot-4 and nearly 220 pounds, Williams has made himself into a nice threat in the red zone, as he is taller than many cornerbacks and safeties he goes up against each week.

MIKE WILLIAMS WITH NO TIME LEFT!!!!!!

pic.twitter.com/Wjcr620Mrt

— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) January 10, 2022

Feed Mike Williams pic.twitter.com/5KvGzAx6ZF

— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) December 15, 2021

Both Allen and Williams have given Herbert two reliable targets on a regular basis while occupying opposing defenses and sometimes giving them headaches.

In addition, the Chargers boast Austin Ekeler, a running back who is very versatile.

He gained 911 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on the ground, but he also tallied 647 yards and eight touchdowns through the air.

Ekeler’s 20 total touchdowns tied him with the Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor for the most combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in the league.

The Chargers May Lack This Type Of Receiver

As good as Allen, Williams and Ekeler are offensively, there is something that all three lack.

Allen has never been prolific in terms of scoring touchdowns, as he has never hit double-digits in that category.

Williams is a great threat due to his physical qualities, but he is not a very speedy receiver, and neither is Allen.

In order to stretch the field, take some defensive attention off Allen, Williams, and Ekeler as well as make good use of Herbert’s arm, the Chargers ideally need a wideout who is a vertical threat, a la Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins.

Jalen Guyton, a young wideout on the roster, has shown glimpses of being that speed threat, but he hasn’t put it together, at least not yet.

Perhaps the Chargers should look into signing a free agent such as Marquise Goodwin or Keelan Cole to address this need and also give their receiving corps more depth heading into training camp.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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