Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has become a featured weapon in the team’s offense and has established himself as one of the most dangerous skill-position players in the NFL.
While he was threat on the ground, the majority of his work came through the air. Ekeler had 108 targets and 92 receptions for 993 receiving yards last season, all second in the NFL among running backs behind Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey.
Of those 92 catches, 10 of them came in the red zone, where he tied for the second-most in the league with McCaffrey and Packers’ Aaron Jones, according to Pro Football Focus. Patriots’ James White led the pack with 18 receptions.
The former Western Colorado product benefited from Philip Rivers and his short and quick passing approach. With the offense expected to shift to a run-heavy approach, Ekeler’s production may take a bit of dip.
However, quarterback Tyrod Taylor has shown the ability to get the ball to running backs in the past, as LeSean McCoy caught an average of 47 passes per season during the three seasons when the two played together with the Bills.
If Justin Herbert is under center, Ekeler will have plenty of opportunities to pad his receiving stats, knowing short and quick throws are a strength to his game as they were incorporated quite a bit in Oregon’s offense.
