The NFL draft is always filled with surprises, and the 2020 draft was no exception. One of the most talked-about picks was the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Keenan Johnson, a wide receiver from Virginia, with the 6th overall pick. The question on everyone’s mind was: Was Johnson a reach?
The Pre-Draft Hype
Leading up to the draft, Johnson was consistently projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick. Many draft experts and analysts had him ranked outside of the top 10, with some even having him fall to the second round. However, the Chargers saw something in Johnson that others didn’t, and they were willing to take a chance on him early.
What Made Johnson So Appealing?
So, what made Johnson so appealing to the Chargers? For starters, he has an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism. At 6’2″ and 210 pounds, Johnson has the physicality to dominate defenders and make plays in traffic. He also boasts a 4.4 40-yard dash time, which is elite speed for a receiver.
In addition to his physical tools, Johnson has a strong production history. In his final season at Virginia, he hauled in 74 receptions for 1,044 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also an accomplished return specialist, with two punt return touchdowns in his career.
A Versatile Threat
One of the things that makes Johnson so intriguing is his versatility. He’s not just a traditional outside receiver; he can line up in the slot, take handoffs out of the backfield, and even return kicks. This flexibility makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders, as they’re never quite sure where he’ll line up or what he’ll be doing.
The Criticisms
Despite Johnson’s impressive physical tools and production, there were (and still are) many critics who think the Chargers reached for him at 6th overall. One of the main arguments against Johnson is that he’s still a raw prospect who needs refinement.
Route Running Concerns
One area where Johnson struggles is in his route running. He often relies on his speed and athleticism to get open, rather than running crisp, precise routes. This can lead to inconsistency and make it difficult for quarterbacks to trust him.
Inconsistent Hands
Another knock on Johnson is his inconsistent hands. He’s had a few drops in his college career, and some scouts worry that he’ll struggle with drops in the NFL.
The Chargers’ Perspective
Despite the criticisms, the Chargers were thrilled to land Johnson at 6th overall. They see him as a difference-maker who can immediately impact their offense.
Filling a Need
The Chargers had a clear need at wide receiver, and Johnson fills that need nicely. With the departure of Tyrell Williams in free agency, the Chargers lacked a true No. 1 receiver. Johnson has the potential to be that guy, and the Chargers were willing to take a chance on him.
A High-Upside Pick
The Chargers also believe that Johnson has incredibly high upside. They see a player who can develop into a true elite receiver, someone who can dominate games and make plays when it matters most.
The Impact on the Team
Now that Johnson is a Charger, the big question is: How will he impact the team?
A New Dimension
Johnson brings a new dimension to the Chargers’ offense. With his speed and athleticism, he can stretch defenses vertically and create opportunities for quarterback Justin Herbert.
A Complementary Piece
Johnson is also a complementary piece to the Chargers’ existing receivers. He’s a different type of player than Mike Williams, who is more of a possession receiver. This diversity will make it difficult for defenses to game plan against the Chargers.
Conclusion
So, was Johnson a reach at 6th overall? The answer is complicated. While Johnson has incredible physical tools and production, he’s still a raw prospect who needs refinement. However, the Chargers saw something in him that others didn’t, and they were willing to take a chance on him early.
In the end, the Chargers believe that Johnson’s upside is worth the risk.
Only time will tell if the Chargers were right to take Johnson at 6th overall. But one thing is certain: Johnson has the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL.
What is the context of the debate about Johnson being a reach?
The debate about Johnson being a reach is centered around the idea that he was not the best player available when he was selected by the team. This notion suggests that the team could have picked a more talented player who would have had a greater impact on the team’s success. The debate is not just about Johnson’s individual skills, but also about the team’s decision-making process and their evaluation of talent.
The context of the debate is important to understanding the different perspectives and opinions on the matter. It is not just about whether Johnson was a good player or not, but about whether he was the right choice for the team at the time. The debate is also about the team’s strategy and priorities, and whether they made the best decision based on their needs and goals.
What are some of the arguments for Johnson being a reach?
One of the main arguments for Johnson being a reach is that he did not have the same level of production as other players who were available at the time. Some argue that he was not as athletic or physically gifted as other players, and that he did not have the same level of upside. Additionally, some argue that Johnson’s game was not as well-rounded, and that he did not have the same level of skill or versatility as other players.
Another argument is that the team could have picked a player who would have been a better fit for their system and style of play. For example, some argue that the team needed a player who was more of a scorer, and that Johnson was not that type of player. Others argue that the team needed a player who was more athletic and could make plays above the rim, and that Johnson did not have that ability.
What are some of the arguments against Johnson being a reach?
One of the main arguments against Johnson being a reach is that he had a strong college career and was considered one of the top players in the draft. Some argue that he was a safe pick, and that the team knew what they were getting with him. Additionally, some argue that Johnson’s intangibles, such as his work ethic and leadership skills, made him a valuable asset to the team.
Another argument is that Johnson has proven himself to be a solid player in the league, and that he has exceeded expectations in many ways. Some argue that he has developed into a well-rounded player who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. Others argue that he has been a key contributor to the team’s success, and that he has played a major role in their victories.
How does Johnson’s performance compare to other players in his draft class?
Johnson’s performance has been solid, but not spectacular, compared to other players in his draft class. Some players, such as Smith and Davis, have gone on to become superstars in the league, while others, such as Thompson and Brown, have had solid careers but have not reached the same level of success. Johnson’s stats are similar to those of other players in his draft class, but he has not stood out as one of the top players in his class.
However, it’s also important to consider that Johnson has been a consistent player throughout his career, and has played a key role on his team. He has not had any major injuries, and has been able to adapt to different systems and teammates. This consistency has value, and it’s something that not all players in his draft class can say.
How does the team’s decision to draft Johnson impact their overall strategy?
The team’s decision to draft Johnson had a significant impact on their overall strategy and team-building approach. It showed that the team was willing to take a chance on a player who may not have been the most athletic or physically gifted, but who had a strong work ethic and a high basketball IQ. It also showed that the team was looking for a player who could fit into their system and contribute right away, rather than taking a chance on a player with higher upside.
This approach has had long-term implications for the team, as they have continued to build their roster around players who fit a similar mold. They have looked for players who are smart, hardworking, and team-oriented, and who can contribute in a variety of ways. This approach has led to a consistent level of success, but it has also limited the team’s ceiling and prevented them from making a deep playoff run.
What can we learn from the debate about Johnson being a reach?
One of the main things we can learn from the debate about Johnson being a reach is the importance of evaluating players in context. It’s not just about looking at a player’s stats or physical abilities, but about understanding how they fit into a team’s system and strategy. It’s also about considering the team’s needs and priorities, and making decisions that align with those goals.
We can also learn about the importance of patience and perspective in evaluating players. It’s easy to make judgments about a player based on their early performance, but it’s more important to look at their overall body of work and consider how they have developed over time. This approach can help us to make more informed decisions and to avoid overreacting to short-term results.
How does the debate about Johnson impact our understanding of the draft process?
The debate about Johnson being a reach highlights the complexity and nuance of the draft process. It shows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating players, and that different teams will have different priorities and values. It also highlights the importance of context and perspective in evaluating players, and the need to consider a wide range of factors beyond just stats and physical abilities.
The debate also underscores the idea that the draft is not just about individual players, but about the teams and systems they are entering. It’s about understanding how players will fit into a team’s culture and strategy, and how they will contribute to the team’s overall success. By considering these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the draft process and make more informed decisions about how to build a successful team.