Oakland Raiders Versus The AFC West: Wide Receivers

Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Nate Ebner (43) and strong safety Tavon Wilson (27) during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers

Picking up Steve Johnson was potentially a very good move. Unless of course, the Steve Johnson they’re getting is of the 2013 Buffalo Bills version or the 2014 San Francisco 49ers version.

From 2010-2012, Johnson looked pretty unstoppable, racking up 1,000 receiving yards in each of those seasons. Since then though, his production has fallen off the table. He failed to net 600 yards in 2013, and last season, as a 49er, Johnson had just 35 receptions – on 50 targets – for an underwhelming total of 435 yards. As a slot receiver who isn’t expected to do much – which is where he’s expected to play in San Diego – he might be a decent add.

The Chargers however, do have two very good outside receivers in Malcolm Floyd and Keenan Allen. In just two seasons, Allen has amassed 148 receptions for more than 1,800 yards. The concern though, is that after a 1,000 yard rookie season, Allen posted just over 700 yards in 2014.

Floyd, on the other hand, is entering his 11th season as a pro, and at 33 years old, is looking closer to the end of his career than the start of it. Though, in 16 games last season, Floyd posted 856 receiving yards on 52 receptions. But at his age, he’s clearly not the type of weapon he was early on in his career.

The problem with San Diego’s receiving corps is that they do not have a clear cut WR1. They have one guy who could be a number one type in Allen, but he has yet to blossom in that role. Neither Johnson nor Floyd is that guy either.

San Diego has a couple of good receivers, and one who has the potential to be great, but overall, their receiving corps is lacking. It will be productive, but it won’t be spectacular.

Next: Number Two