Greg Roman’s Confidence Clashes With Los Angeles Chargers’ Weak Position Group

Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman has voiced confidence in the revamped receiver group, calling it “night and day” compared to a year ago. On the Chargers Weekly Podcast, Roman praised the depth, development, and upside of the unit, particularly pointing to McConkey’s advanced football IQ and ability to thrive in multiple roles. “We were able to do things with Ladd in Year 1 that you generally don’t do with a guy until Year 3 or 4,” Roman said.

That enthusiasm, however, comes against the backdrop of a group still defined more by projection than proven production.

Quentin Johnston, a former first-round pick, remains a wild card. He showed flashes last season but failed to consistently establish himself as a reliable option. Mike Williams returns from injury, but durability has been a career-long concern. And while the team added two promising rookies—Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith—the track record for rookie receivers making an immediate impact is mixed.

Veteran Josh Palmer, the team’s No. 3 receiver last year, left in free agency. His 584 yards in 2024 now stand as a reminder of how thin the supporting cast was behind McConkey and Johnston. The depth chart behind them includes a patchwork of hopefuls: Jalen Reagor, Jaylen Johnson, Dez Fitzpatrick—players with talent, but also baggage or inconsistency.

Roman’s plan is to move McConkey around the formation more often to prevent defenses from keying on him. That versatility will be critical if the rest of the receiver room fails to take pressure off the second-year slot maven. “When they double Ladd, you’ve got to play the percentages,” Roman said. “The ball needs to go somewhere else.”

That’s the hope. But it’s far from a guarantee.

The Chargers opted not to spend big on proven outside help this offseason, passing on names like D.K. Metcalf or even a reunion with Keenan Allen. Rumors tied the team to disgruntled Washington receiver Terry McLaurin, but L.A. appears content to stick with its current cast.

Whether that confidence is well-placed remains to be seen. The talent is intriguing—but largely untested or uneven. Johnston taking a leap, Williams staying healthy, and the rookies acclimating quickly are all essential if McConkey is to avoid being smothered by double coverage again in 2025.

Roman’s words paint a picture of promise. But as training camp approaches, the reality is this: For all the praise, the Chargers’ wide receiver room remains a question mark—one they can’t afford to get wrong.