The NFL Draft is often hailed as a franchise-altering event, capable of elevating teams from mediocrity to contention—or plunging them into years of regret. The Los Angeles Chargers, known for their share of draft misfires in the past, may have narrowly avoided a major disaster in a recent draft class—one that is now unfolding as a nightmare for a fellow AFC rival.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected wide receiver Quentin Johnston with the 21st overall pick, passing on several other high-profile prospects, including certain quarterbacks and defensive talents. At the time, the pick raised some eyebrows. Johnston, a TCU product, brought elite athleticism and vertical ability, but concerns lingered over his route-running consistency and hands. However, the real turning point came just a few picks later when another AFC team—the Tennessee Titans—took a leap of faith on a quarterback many believed needed time: Will Levis.
While Johnston had a slow rookie year, what the Chargers avoided was more profound than just a bust at receiver. Reports emerged post-draft that the Chargers’ front office had debated between Johnston and a quarterback like Levis, considering a future beyond Justin Herbert amidst contract negotiations. Ultimately, Los Angeles bet on Herbert, signed him to a massive extension, and avoided the quarterback carousel that has plagued teams like the Titans for years.
Fast forward to 2024: the Titans, in desperate need of quarterback stability after the decline of Ryan Tannehill, turned to Levis. Unfortunately, his development has been rocky. Inconsistent accuracy, poor pocket awareness, and frequent injuries have left Tennessee in flux. With a roster that includes talents like Derrick Henry (now aging) and a defense in rebuild mode, the Titans find themselves trapped in a cycle—still seeking a franchise QB while having burned a valuable second-round pick and multiple starts on Levis.
Meanwhile, the Chargers, despite Johnston’s learning curve, are anchored by a franchise quarterback in Herbert. They’ve made coaching changes, revamped their offensive identity under Jim Harbaugh, and appear to be building toward sustained contention.
The real story isn’t just about who was picked—it’s about who wasn’t. Had the Chargers swung on a developmental quarterback like Levis, they could be facing a franchise reset. Instead, they doubled down on Herbert and avoided the pitfall now ensnaring a conference rival.
In hindsight, what looked like a risky move—selecting a raw wideout—ended up being the safer long-term play. The Titans’ misfortune is a reminder: gambling on quarterbacks in the wrong context can set a franchise back years. For the Chargers, it was a disaster averted—and for Tennessee, it’s a haunting reality that could reshape their future drafts yet again.
