Lost in the spotlight of quarterback Justin Herbert, the battle at the running back and wide receiver positions have been the Chargers tight ends.
Jared Cook, Donald Parham, rookie Tre’ McKitty and Stephen Anderson, who have been working with the first-team offense, depending on the package, have all flown under the radar.
Expected to provide a big frame in the middle of the field and in the red zone, Cook and Herbert have connected a handful of times thus far. His knowledge with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system is paying dividends to aide with Herbert’s transition.
Known for his mismatch ability down the seam, Parham has steadily improved his game, showing refinement as a route-runner and the strength to be an asset in the blocking department. Like Cook, Parham has been one of Herbert’s favorite targets in practice.
While he’s seen primarily as an in-line blocker, McKitty is showing upside as a pass-catcher, with excellent quickness and agility to get open and reliable hands to get to balls away from his body naturally.
Anderson, on the other hand, was seen as the guy in the group that was likely to be on the outside looking in heading into camp. However, he’s made a few plays and has displayed the versatility to line up at fullback and possesses special teams upside.
The fact that the tight ends are standing out at camp is a good sign. Given the fact that Lombardi incorporates a handful of three- and four-tight end sets to create mismatches, each player should be beneficial in this offense, especially with how they’ve looked at practices.