Over the next few weeks ahead of training camp, I will continue to break down the depth chart for each Chargers position.
Next, I project what the tight end room will look like heading into the 2024 season.
Will Dissly
Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want an efficient running game, and signing Dissly was part of the process of achieving this goal. Dissly consistently ranked among Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded run-blocking tight ends, most recently finishing as the third-best behind George Kittle and Charlie Woerner in 2023. Dissly, a 2018 fourth-round pick out of the University of Washington, dealt with injuries in his first couple of seasons before becoming a key piece in the Seahawks’ offense. He started 55 of 62 games from 2020 to 2023. Dissly amassed 127 catches for 1,421 yards and 13 touchdowns throughout his time in Seattle.
Hayden Hurst
The Chargers continued their retooling of the positional group by signing Hurst. This is his fifth team since entering the league in 2018. He was initially drafted by the Ravens, spending two years with them, two with the Falcons and a season apiece with the Bengals (2022) and Panthers (2023). Hurst’s best season came with Atlanta, where he caught 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns — all career-highs. When he played under Roman during his two-season stint with Baltimore, Hurst finished with his highest yards per reception marks of his career, 12.5 and 11.6, respectively. While Dissly will be used more exclusively as a blocker, Hurst will be a piece in the passing game.
Donald Parham Jr.
I have the Chargers starting the season with three tight ends, so there should be a battle for this spot between Parham, Smarrt and undrafted free agents Zach Heins and Luke Benson. But I give the nod to Parham. Parham has been dinged with injuries over the past couple of seasons, but when he is on the field he provides a big target with his 6-foot-8 frame, which especially comes in clutch in red-zone situations. Parham is also functional as a run blocker, as he can seal off edges.