How will Brenen Thompson impact the Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers made a splash on day three of the 2026 NFL Draft when they signed Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson. He’s known for his absurd speed, but he offers much more than that. Thompson will help elevate the Chargers’ offense and give Justin Herbert an explosive weapon to use.
Thompson burst onto the national scene at the NFL Combine with a blazing 4.26 40-yard dash. This top-end speed is evident on his film, as it’s rare to see someone keep up with him. This alone made Thompson a dangerous option, but his underrated route running is what separates him from the prototypical speedster.
First off, it’s important to note that he didn’t run an expansive route tree in college. Mississippi State rarely allowed him to show off his route running, but the glimpses were still there. Thompson displayed elite stop/start ability, which helped him create instant separation. Additionally, he has a clear understanding of how to attack a defender's leverage and expose them.
With that in mind, why was he available in the fourth round? Thompson’s problems all stem from his subpar frame (five-foot-nine, 164 pounds). Pound-for-pound, he’s a strong player, but that’s not how strength is measured in the NFL. He often gets overpowered by bigger defenders, thus disrupting the timing and throwing him off routes.
Similarly, this issue is prevalent on early downs. Thompson’s a bad run blocker; he doesn’t have the force to eliminate a cornerback. Because of this, he’s rarely on the field in these situations. This sounds fine on the surface, but it makes him a major indicator for a defense, allowing them to know the play call.
His strength is concerning, but Thompson is still an outstanding player who will immediately impact the Chargers’ offense. His speed constantly threatens defenses deep. As a result, he requires the safety's help over top. This stretches the defense and creates ample space in the short/intermediate areas of the field. Additionally, more opportunities for explosive plays will be available for others, as opposing coordinators will be focused on Thompson.
This ability will make Justin Herbert’s job significantly easier. It creates fewer variables for him to worry about and more targets available in his sight. While it may not seem Thompson is making a down-by-down impact, he’s consistently going to open up other options.
Overall, Brenen Thompson was a superb selection for the Chargers in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. His elite speed will elevate the offense and give Justin Herbert another dynamic threat.