Who is Brenen Thompson? Chargers go WR, select fastest player in draft in Round 4

Justin Herbert has a new weapon, and he’s already one of the fastest players in the NFL.

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The Los Angeles Chargers used their No. 105 pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson, who boasts the best pure speed of any player in the class after leading the 40-yard dash at the combine.

Size and hands have been past concerns with Thompson, but at the very least, L.A. — with Mike McDaniel, known for his value on speed, now the team’s offensive coordinator — is adding a player who will be a constant threat to break into the open field.

Here’s what to know about Thompson, his speed and his college numbers.

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Who is Brenen Thompson?

Brenen Thompson, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound wide receiver, spent time at Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi State in college from 2022-25. He wasn’t much of an impact player for the Longhorns or Sooners, but in 2025 for the Bulldogs, Thompson emerged as a more dynamic weapon.

His speed led him to 1,054 yards on just 54 catches (18.5 yards per catch) and six touchdowns last season, making him an NFL Draft prospect. Thompson isn’t all speed — he’s a capable route-runner, can track deep balls well, brings toughness and has solid hands. However, due to his lack of size and physicality, he was viewed as more of a Day 3 receiver in the 2026 class.

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Brenen Thompson (81 YPG) was the fastest prospect at the NFL Combine. I thought his ball tracking given the high level of difficulty was strong. He also faced a ton of press man coverage in the SEC.

Clear Round 3 target for me. pic.twitter.com/cWOmhT3AaN

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) April 1, 2026

With the Chargers, Thompson could certainly have a quick path to playing time as a kick returner, although he had very little experience in that aspect in college. Either way, his speed should be an asset alongside Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the Chargers’ receiver room. 

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Brenen Thompson 40 time

At the 2026 NFL Combine, Thompson had the fastest 40-yard dash time of any player, regardless of position.

He ran a 4.26, which was the third-fastest time ever clocked by a receiver at the event. He trailed only Xavier Worthy’s 4.21 in 2024 and John Ross’ 4.22 in 2017.

New Chargers WR Brenen Thompson ran a 4.26 at the Combine, the third-fastest time ever for a WR 👀 pic.twitter.com/SDD46wJShU

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— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026

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Brenen Thompson college stats 

Here’s a look at Thompson’s numbers over four college seasons:

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