Chargers' Tight End Depth Chart Is a Surprise

The Los Angeles Chargers may not have the best tight end room in the NFL, but they do seem to have solid depth and firepower at that position.

Oronde Gadsden II is the tight end on the team’s roster that fans are perhaps most familiar with. Last season, as a rookie, the fifth-round draft pick was a mini-revelation with 49 catches for 664 yards and three touchdowns while starting in seven of his 15 games.

David Njoku, who is 30 years of age and has nine years of NFL experience, was signed by Los Angeles in May. As recently as 2023, he made the Pro Bowl and posted 882 yards and six touchdowns. Charlie Kolar, 27, was also brought in this offseason to provide depth at tight end.

One would expect Gadsden, or at least Njoku, to be designated as the Bolts’ starting tight end this season. But their official depth chart says otherwise.

A surprise man is listed at starting tight end

According to the Chargers’ official website, Kolar, and not Gadsden or Njoku, is listed as the team’s TE1.

The thinking seems to be that his ability to block well, especially in the running game, will open things up for running backs Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal. The Chargers are expected to run the football plenty under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel while employing a zone-blocking scheme, and Kolar could help there.

Last season (including the playoffs), Kolar received a 71.5 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required), which ranked 15th among all tight ends.

As a pass-catcher, he isn’t exactly prolific, but he could be functional enough. He caught 10 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns last season while being buried on the Baltimore Ravens’ depth chart behind Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews.

If anything, this arrangement should give McDaniel and head coach Jim Harbaugh different options and looks at the position. When they need more offense and fluidity, they can go with Gadsden. When they need a proven red zone target, they can opt for Njoku.

It is also a bit of a surprise that Njoku is listed as L.A.’s TE2 over Gadsden. Njoku may not be in his absolute prime anymore, but he did post 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns last year. His playoff experience can come in handy for a young Chargers squad that is looking to finally notch a postseason victory.

Los Angeles Chargers Essentials

• 5 Best Quarterbacks in Chargers History
• 5 Best Running Backs in Chargers History
• 5 Best Wide Receivers in Chargers History