Chargers News: Bolts Insider Analyzes Tight End Depth Ahead of Training Camp
Heading into the NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers were met with much speculation and pressure from pundits and experts to address their tight end position. Many believed that with quarterback Justin Herbert, the team needed to provide him with a reliable tight end to bolster their offense. However, the Chargers decided to trust their instincts and selected Quentin Johnston instead, much to the dismay of some fans and analysts.
The front office stood firm on their choice, seeing potential in Johnston and being more than comfortable with their current TE1, Gerald Everett. Everett had just come off the best season of his career in 2022, impressing the team with his skills and versatility. Head coach Brandon Staley expressed unwavering confidence in Everett's ability to continue his excellent performance.
"I think that with Gerald Everett, we know that what we're getting," Staley said about Everett following the draft. "That guy was a weapon for us. That was a tremendous signing for us last year.
"As you saw in the playoff game, that guy may have been one of the best players on the field. I thought that he had his best season as a pro for us last year," Staley added.
The Chargers tight end room currently have six, including Everett, but it was expected that a handful of them would be cut by the end of training camp.
Donald Parham Jr. and Tre' McKitty were the likeliest candidates to make the roster alongside Everett. Parham, who struggled with injuries in the previous season, appears to be on the path to recovery and is expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming 2023 season.
Although McKitty has seen limited playing time due to opportunities, he's had the full support of Chargers tight end coach Kevin Koger. Koger discussed the challenges that McKitty faced in his development, attributing them to the lack of playing time.
"He had a decent rookie year and the you have high expectations for Year 2 and it didn't materialize," Koger said about McKitty. "It's a humbling game but he's attacked this offseason the right way.
"His value lies in the run game because he's bigger and stronger and a guy that's able to move people at the point of attack. His biggest thing is doing those things on a consistent basis," Koger added. "He knows that and works at them on a consistent basis. It's a big year for him but he's ready for it. I have no doubt he'll rise to the occasion."
The right end position is one of the groups we'll be looking to step up and take the load off the receivers and Austin Ekeler from time to time.
