OPINION: Chargers should draft a TE in the 1st(or 2nd) round. Here's why:

I know, I know. It sounds unnecessary considering majority of the subreddit believes we need a speedy WR or a defensive linemen. But hear me out! Based one what I seen from other mock drafts, it looks like the league is higher on tight ends than wide receivers this year. And I think now is the time to get a prolific TE that could not only prove a valuable weapon for Herbert, but also be a game changer.

Current TE room:

  • Gerald Everett: He’s been a solid TE1 this year. He had career highs in receptions (58) and receiving yards (555), and he’s got good YAC and separation, but he’s only scored 4 touchdowns this year. This year was his best, but compared to the likes of TE’s such as Kelce, Kittle, Andrews, and Hockenson, it’s not really that impressive.
  • Donald Parham Jr.: Parham is big dude who has the potential to be a great TE1, but injuries have sidelined him for most of the season. It’s understandable that he’s come up a serious injury since last year, and I’m happy he’s back on the field playing for this team. But I just don’t see him being a true TE1
  • Tre McKitty: After a good rookie season, McKitty came into this season with expectations of being an improved TE with excellent blocking skills. Instead, he’s gotten worse. Potentially, he may have a comeback season, but realistically I see him being more of a TE2 or TE3.

Reasons for Drafting a New TE (according to ChatGPT):

  1. Versatility: Many tight ends are able to line up in multiple positions, which allows them to be utilized in a variety of ways within an offense.
  2. Size and athleticism: Tight ends are typically larger and more athletic than wide receivers and smaller and more agile than offensive linemen. This combination of size and athleticism can make them difficult for defenses to match up against.
  3. Pass-catching ability: Tight ends are often used as a safety valve for the quarterback, and can be relied upon to make tough catches in traffic.
  4. Blocking ability: Tight ends are also often used as blockers in the running game, and can help to open up holes for running backs.
  5. Redzone threats: Tight ends can be a great redzone threat due to their size and ability to go up and get the ball.

In terms of this year, besides receiving yards and receptions, we haven’t benefitted much from this year’s TE room. Though Everett got us needed yardage, he hasn’t been much of a redzone threat this year. I also don’t see him as a long-term option for the Bolts. We’ve missed Parham’s size and athleticism for most of the season, and our McKitty’s blocking ability has significantly gotten worse. If we’re going to be more explosive and efficient next season, we need a TE that can do most, if not all of the above.

I should also mentioned that past Super Bowl teams had one thing in common with their TE’s:

  • Rob Gronkowski: Gronkowski played for the New England Patriots during their Super Bowl XLIX, LI and LIII wins. He caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLIX, and had 6 receptions for 87 yards in Super Bowl LI. In Super Bowl LIII, Gronkowski had 6 receptions for 87 yards.
  • Travis Kelce: Kelce played for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, he had 6 receptions for 43 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Zach Ertz: Ertz played for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, he had 7 receptions for 67 yards.
  • George Kittle: Kittle played for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, he had 6 receptions for 43 yards.

These are just a few examples of tight ends who have performed well in the Super Bowl in recent years, but there have been many others who have played important roles on their teams during their Super Bowl runs.

Which TE should we draft

There’s a good chunk of TEs that we can choose from, but I’m gonna focus on these 5:

  • Michael Mayer, Notre Dame: Likely TE1A in this draft class, Mayer’s pass-catching skills are amazing. Mayer possesses the size to out-physicalize defenders mid-route and has exceptional body control to smoothly transition his route cuts and respond to throws. He’s an All-American who’s posted 809 receiving yards, 67 receptions, and 9 touchdowns. Though he needs improvement in run-blocking, you can see him finish defenders to the ground and help spring big runs. If developed correctly, he can be a big-time threat to NFL defenses. I’ve seen drafts where he’s drafted higher, but its still possible for him to drop down to the Chargers.
  • Darnell Washington, Georgia: Washington was a coveted recruit who arrived in Athens as a pass catcher but not a blocker. He immediately altered that, becoming one of the team's better blocks by utilizing his inherent power and honing his technique by competing against defensive titans like Travon Walker every day in practice. He hasn’t played in many games because the Georgia’s TE room is stacked, but he’s the TE1B of this class, and definitely more-rounded than Mayer. I believe I saw him being mocked to the Chargers once, and I believe it is possible if he’s the best player available.
  • Dalton Kincaid, Utah: Daniel Jeremiah has him mocked to the chargers and for good reason. I think he has higher receiving upside than Mayer or Washington. Though he’s a little older, but according to Jeremiah, “His short-area quickness is phenomenal, and he is incredibly tough and productive with the ball in his hands. “ I don’t see him being selected at round 1 though. If he’s available at round 2, I think it’s a good idea to take him.
  • Tucker Craft, South Dakota State: Kraft plays with outstanding athleticism before and after the catch, and he has a feel for taking underneath throws and turning them into big gains. Kraft shows off his elusiveness, acceleration and finishing skills in games, and he’s good as a run-blocking, something the Chargers solely need. The chargers could potentially take him in round 2 and have him develop alongside Everett.
  • Sam LaPorta, Iowa: LaPorta is not an exceptional athlete for the position in terms of size or speed, but he frequently makes himself available as a receiving target. He uses quick, fluid routes to evade man coverage or exploit gaps in zone coverage. While his eyes and feet are already searching for additional yards, he works the middle of the field with toughness and possesses soft hands to complete grabs. Because of his lack of speed, its possible that he can fall to round 2 or 3, but if developed well in the NFL, he can be a great target for the Chargers.

Thats all I have to say. If the chargers go for wide receiver(either Jordan Addison or Zay Flowers), I would be happy with the pick. But again, I believe the chargers are good at wide receiver, and I believe they can address speed in the 2nd and 3rd round. You can find valuable wide receivers in later rounds. I’m also ok with the idea of an edge defender or defensive tackle. Anyways, peace out ✌️.