Los Angeles Chargers: Expectations for Travis Benjamin in 2017
By Derek Snyder
With the Los Angeles Chargers looking to turn a corner in 2017, we look at what the expectations are for one of their most-talented receivers.
The Los Angeles Chargers are a team that is loaded with talented offensive football players. However, their most-talented position group may be at the receiver postion, where Travis Benjamin will be looking to keep up his solid production from 2016.
According to Pro Football Reference, Benjamin finished last season with 47 receptions for 677 yards and four touchdowns. Those are some solid numbers for a guy that the Chargers needed to produce when Keenan Allen was struggling to stay on the football field.
Take a look at this blurb about Benjamin from Ricky Henne of the Los Angeles Chargers’ official website:
"Unfortunately, Benjamin wasn’t able to show off his full arsenal in his first year with the Chargers. He ended the year catching 47 passes for 677 yards with four touchdowns in 14 games despite being slowed by injuries. Still, even in a down year, Benjamin remained one of the game’s most dangerous playmakers. Along with Williams, he tied for the NFL lead with six catches of at least 40 yards."
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The crazy thing about Benjamin’s 2016 season was that he showed exactly why he’s one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NFL, while also dealing with injuries. I truly believe he could be in for a big year in 2017.
He will have to wait his turn on touches, especially now that the team drafted Mike Williams from Clemson. That being said, I’m sure offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt will find every way possible to feature Benjamin in the offense.
Therefore, what would make the 2017 season a success for a player of Travis Benjamin’s status?
In my opinion, he could have 50 receptions and over 800 all-purpose yards. Touchdowns are such an unpredictable stat, so it’s not fair to give a receiver a touchdown expectation. That being said, he must have 50 or more catches if the Chargers want to use him wisely.
Next: Chargers: Is 10 Wins Possible In 2017?
What say you Chargers fans? What does Travis Benjamin have to do in 2017 for you to consider his season a success?