Where do the Raiders rank at WR within the AFC West?
By Jason Willis
PROJECTED STARTERS: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Jalen Guyton
If you think this group looks familiar, you are not mistaken. For what feels like the 100th year in a row, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams will return as the Chargers’ starting wide receivers. This is a good thing as quarterback Justin Herbert developed a great relationship with both players last season.
One of the most underrated players in the NFL, Allen quietly finished 2021 with 106 catches for 1,138 yards and six touchdowns. Still just 29 years old, Allen has not lost a step. In fact, last year’s reception total was the highest of his career so far. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen will return as a do-everything wideout that can act as a security blanket for Herbert.
Williams broke out in a big way in 2021. A big-bodied wideout capable of winning down the field due to his immense size, Williams hauled in 76 receptions for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns last season. For his efforts, the Chargers rewarded him with a multi-year contract extension proving they want him around for the long term.
The biggest worry for Los Angeles will be injuries to either Allen or Williams. This is because the options behind them are severely limited. Currently, the rest of the group consists of Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer, and DeAndre Carter. None of them are capable of being NFL starters but can provide the team with some much-needed speed in the right situations.