With the 77th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Josh Palmer, a receiver from Tennessee. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Palmer moved to Florida prior to his junior year of high school. There, he played football at St. Thomas Aquinas, a national powerhouse in the high school football scene. He committed to the University of Tennessee, where he played all four years. Though his production at Tennessee was lackluster, he still showed that he could be talented at the NFL level in the Senior Bowl.
Though his collegiate stats were concerning for NFL scouts, Palmer was determined to prove he was worth a draft pick. With an impressive outing at the Senior Bowl, Palmer proved his worth, and brought into quesiton his dubious Tennessee career. Much like DK Metcalf at Ole Miss, Palmer spent all of his time at Tennessee without a solid starting quarterback. That is not to compare Metcalf and Palmer, as they play different styles of receiver, but it is near-impossible for a receiver to show out without a reliable passer. With all that said, what are Palmer’s biggest strengths and weaknesses? Can he prove his worth in a highly-talented receiver room in LA? And can he, like new teammate Keenan Allen, rise above his projected value as a third-round pick and become a future star? This is the Josh Palmer rookie profile.
Josh Palmer will look to earn his spot in a loaded receivers’ room for the Chargers. (via Tennesee Athletics)
Josh Palmer, left, uses his impressive physicality to bully smaller cornerbacks. (via Chargers)
With all that said, can Josh Palmer succeed in the NFL? Can he exceed the modest expectations set for him by the nature of third-round picks? Can he prove that he really was an unpolished gem, waiting to shine in the right setting?
It is certainly possible. Palmer, though lacking in speed, has elite athleticism and solid ball-catching. He can make difficult catches with ease, even without the separation he could have with elite speed. With a solid quarterback, which the Chargers definitely have covered, Palmer can thrive as a third or possibly second option next to Allen. This was the Josh Palmer rookie profile.
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