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Wide receiver Brenen Thompson

The Los Angeles Chargers have finally addressed the wide receiver room on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Bolts have selected Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson with the 105th overall selection of the draft.

Thompson, who also had stops with Texas and Oklahoma, is coming off his best season in the NCAA, hauling in 1,054 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025. Throughout his collegiate career, the wide receiver recorded 1,557 yards and 10 touchdown catches. Thompson was also used in the run game in his single season with Mississippi, having 1 rushing touchdown.

The new Chargers ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 4.26, which is 0.02 seconds faster than the next-best wide receiver.

Adding Brenen Thompson gives LA’s offense a new team for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and quarterback Justin Herbert.

Possible Keenan Allen Replacement

GettyThe Chargers may have found a replacement for a six-time Pro Bowler

While not playing the same receiver spot, the Los Angeles Chargers may have found a replacement for Keenan Allen.

Allen was on a one-year deal with the Bolts for the 2025 season and has yet to re-sign with the organization, or any other team for that matter. Allen has expressed his desire to continue playing and play with the same organization that drafted him in the 2013 NFL Draft.

There have been no talks of LA not wanting to retain Allen and with the addition of Brenen Thompson to the receiver room, it appears that Allen will not return for his 13th season with the organization.

Thompson joins a Chargers wide receiver room headlined by Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, with notable second-year players Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert Smith, likely to have an increased role in the 2026 season.

Brenan Thompson has an uphill battle to get some playing time in his rookie season and he could be a hidden gem for Mike McDaniel if he has a strong preseason.

Analyst on Brenen Thompson

GettyBrennan Thompson as the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein notes that Brenen Thompson has some notable attributes for any offense, but also highlights a lack of route tree and injuries that played a role in his draft stock.

“Thompson is a slightly built, vertical threat with rocket boosters in his shoes. With a career average of 39.8 yards per touchdown catch, there is no denying where his value lives. His acceleration phase is long-lasting, creating easy wins over the top and requiring safety involvement in man coverage,” Zierlein wrote.

“He struggles with traditional, non-vertical routes and finishing contested catches. He’s not a catch-and-run specialist underneath but is dangerous crossing the hashes. He’s dealt with injuries dating back to high school, missing significant time in 2023 due to ankle and hamstring ailments. A lack of size and versatility create challenges for his long-term projection, so diversifying his portfolio of offerings might be necessary for him to stick on a roster long-term.”

Thompson will have one of the best offensive minds as his playcaller in his rookie season and should develop in the NFL. Brenen Thompson joins a Chargers team that hopes to progress past the wildcard round under head coach Jim Harbaugh.