4 mid, late-round tight ends Chargers could target in 2021 NFL draft

Even if Hunter Henry is re-signed, the Los Angeles Chargers will be in need of a reliable No. 2 option.

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.

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.

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.

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.