NFL
Rival NFL Executives Expect Brenen Thompson to Flourish in New-Look Los Angeles Chargers Offense
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One of the more profound schematic changes any team employed in the offseason was the Chargers going from power-running based offensive coordinator Greg Roman calling their plays to former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel is far advanced in his understanding of the spacing and intricacies of the modern passing game, and many executives and coaches around the league were bullish on the schematic upgrades he can make with star quarterback Justin Herbert.
The QB has a big enough arm to make any throw but the scope of the passing attack has been limited.
The Chargers also lacked twitchy, speedy downfield weapons, relying on a lot of similar bigger, chain-moving slot targets.
That is no longer the case, with their fourth-round selection of receiver Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State) being identified by rival executives as a potentially impactful move.
A Perfect Schematic Fit
McDaniel’s mode of attack specializes in receivers who can separate quickly and then win downfield with yards after the catch. Thompson has the athletic traits to thrive quickly in this offense, running a 4.26 40-yard dash.
McDaniel championed the selection and will heavily invest in getting this receiver to command attention from defenses and offer a big-play alternative to what was already on the roster.
“I think that kid can take off in that system,” one longtime NFL personnel executive said.
"It’s the perfect offense for him. Great quarterback.”
Of course, one could quibble about waiting until the fourth round to take the player if he is such a schematic fit, but head coach Jim Harbaugh is old school and clearly wanted to fortify the line of scrimmage with the offensive line (a trend he’s always adhered to).
SportsBoom wouldn’t bet against Thompson helping this passing game reach new heights and being an immediate factor in 2026.
The Chargers are very hopeful of getting both of their star offensive tackles back from season-ending injuries for 2026, and expect more explosion and diversity from their passing game in the upcoming season.
La Canfora has covered over 20 Super Bowls and League Meetings and NFL drafts, building a wide network of sources throughout all aspects of the game. He was an award winning print journalist as well, working at The Detroit Free Press and The Baltimore Sun prior to his first stint at The Washington Post. He has covered sporting events around the world, including two Winter Olympics and all of the 2006 World Cup. He attended his first NFL game in 1978, and would soon kindle what has become a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport. La Canfora is also a professional handicapper, specializing in the NFL, creating a daily sports wagering game show - "Wanna Bet?" He also hosts nationally broadcast NFL radio shows in the US, as well as a daily sports radio show in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.