The Chargers should and likely will address the tight end position at some point this offseason.
Hunter Henry is set to be a free agent and even if he’s re-signed, Los Angeles needs another player to round out the positional group.
Virgil Green is a free agent and I don’t believe he will be brought back. Donald Parham is primarily a pass-catcher and Stephen Anderson hasn’t proven himself as a reliable blocker to garner consideration for the No. 2 spot.
With that being said, let’s take a look at four tight ends that L.A. can potentially target in this year’s draft, primarily focusing on mid- late-round options.
Noah Gray, Duke
Gray finished his senior season ranked second in the ACC for a tight end with 29 catches for 285 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In total, Gray amassed with 105 catches—the most by a tight end in program history—and eight touchdowns in 48 games. At this year’s Senior Bowl, Gray showed an area of improvement in the blocking department to compliment his combination of short-area quickness, leaping skills and body control, making him an ideal mismatch weapon in the NFL.
Duke TE Noah Gray (@noahgray87) is my Senior TE1 for good reason. His pass catching ability standouts, as well as his ability to separate. This play against Bama won’t show up in the stat sheet, but shows he is also a solid run blocker with room to grow. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/lEdxgb4fCD
— Jack Borowsky (@Jack_Borowsky) June 29, 2020
Tony Poljan, Virginia
Poljan played quarterback at Central Michigan, before converting to tight end. Upon making the positional change, he amassed 71 catches, 907 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the Cavaliers. Poljan has a large catch radius, soft hands, and enough speed to produce as a pass-catcher at the next level. Along with that, he is sound as a pass blocker, showing great technique and awareness, as well as the size, strength and effort in the running game.
I think we might have something sneaky good here with Tony Poljan (6-7, 265), TE, Virginia
Really consistent hands, not phased catching the ball through traffic/contact, some flashes of athleticism, and a strong pass blocker pic.twitter.com/fTFdFulIfa
— Matt Hicks (@TheFF_Educator) January 16, 2021
Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
The Chargers are interested in Tremble since it’s been confirmed by The Draft Network’s Justin Melo that the team has already had a pre-draft meeting with him. During two seasons, Tremble only recorded 35 catches for 401 receptions. However, he had a lot of success as a pass and run-blocker for The Fighting Irish. Outside of his outstanding blocking skills, Tremble has good athleticism and agility, with untapped potential as a receiver at the next level.
Studied Notre Dame TE Tommy Tremble this morning. Lot of ways he can be used in an offense. Love his versatility. Check him out on his block in the run game. Ability to be an IMPACT receiver at all three levels of the field #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/C7BmZefSbZ
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) February 12, 2021
Tre McKitty, Georgia
McKitty was underutilized both at Florida State and Georgia, which is why the box score doesn’t justify how talented he really is. He proved himself at the Senior Bowl, however. McKitty was stout as a blocker and he was arguably the most athletic tight end in the passing game, showing the ability to separate at the top of routes with great hands to reel in everything thrown his way. With his combination of attitude, athleticism and blocking skills, the best football is still in front of him.
Tre’ McKitty making big time catches in team drills. Drink.
Dude made dat 💰 this week pic.twitter.com/onTVyHlPx3
— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) January 29, 2021