Following Day 5 of Chargers training camp, rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson said he can be used in “similar ways” to Tyreek Hill. Thompson added that he grew up watching Hill and former Eagles star DeSean Jackson.
The 5-foot-9 speedster, selected 105th overall out of Mississippi State, ran a 4.26-second 40 at the Combine, the fastest in the 2026 class. Last season, he caught 57 passes for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns, leading the SEC.
General manager Joe Hortiz and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who coached Hill in Miami, have already linked Thompson’s size and speed to both Hill and Jackson. Quarterback Justin Herbert called him a player who will “make a lot of plays.”
“I know my speed is pretty much unmatched when I step out on the field,” Thompson said.
Thompson also said he’s comfortable returning punts. On Monday, he was among the crop who took turns as punt returner at the end of the session.
Like Hill was used, McDaniel can weaponize Thompson’s vertical and lateral explosiveness in the Chargers’ offense to create plays for Herbert. He may begin as a package player and returner, but the early buy-in suggests the Chargers plan to use him dynamically from the get-go.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Rookie WR Brenen Thompson eyes Tyreek Hill role with Chargers
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire | USA TODAY Network
