The Los Angeles Chargers are loaded this season, especially on the defensive side of the football, and overall, they have the most talented team they have boasted in decades.
They have an MVP-caliber quarterback in Justin Herbert who is just 24 years of age, two Pro Bowl wide receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, a versatile dual-threat running back in Austin Ekeler, a strong pass rusher in Joey Bosa, and a star safety in Derwin James.
That’s not even mentioning newcomers such as Khalil Mack, another star pass rusher, defensive tackles Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day and Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson.
But one key position is somewhat in flux, and that is the tight end position.
Los Angeles could use one more capable receiver who picks up the slack to help support Allen and Williams, and it doesn’t have a clear-cut star tight end.
However, it has a couple of men who could step up and stand out at that position by the end of the season.
Gerald Everett
The Chargers signed Gerald Everett during the offseason in an effort to shore up the tight end spot.
At age 28, he has played five seasons in the NFL, four of them with the Los Angeles Rams.
Last season, he traveled north and suited up for the Seattle Seahawks, posting 478 yards and four touchdowns in 12 starts.
He seems like a solid option, as he had a catch percentage of 76.2 percent and 5.2 yards after the catch.
At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, he has decent size for the position, even if he isn’t quite as imposing as former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates.
Donald Parham
In his second pro season, Donald Parham didn’t put up great numbers, as he managed just 190 yards and three touchdowns in 14 contests.
In Week 15, the Chargers suffered a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and in that contest, Parham sustained a concussion that prematurely ended his 2021 season.
At 6-foot-8, he has the ability to be quite a target, but unfortunately, he is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, which may hurt his chances of winning the starting TE spot.
Tre’ McKitty
Tre’ McKitty was a rookie last year, and he played in 11 games, starting four, but with just six receptions for 45 yards, his production was very meager.
He seems to have potential not just as a blocker, but also as a pass-catcher, as he has a nice frame (he is 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds) plus a good pair of hands.
It remains to be seen how many opportunities head coach Brandon Staley will give McKitty this season.
The Departed
The Chargers will have to fill the void created by the departure of Jared Cook, who put in some good work in 2021 with 564 yards and four touchdowns.
Over the years, he had made big plays for multiple teams, especially come playoff time.
If Everett, Parham or even McKitty pick up the slack in a satisfactory manner, the Chargers could be hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy this winter.
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