Tag: L.A. Chargers

Chargers 53-man roster projection: Final prediction before cutdown day

Here’s one final guess at what the initial Chargers 53-man roster will look like.

Training camp and preseason play are over, so now the Chargers coaching staff will use them as their resources to get the roster from 91 players to 53 ahead of the 2024 regular season.

The team will have until 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday to make their cuts.

With that being said, here is our final projection of what we believe the initial roster will look like.

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick

Stick had the opportunity all summer to show he’s a serviceable backup, but he failed to do so. I believe he will make the initial roster, but Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh will see which quarterbacks are available once cuts are made and end up signing one and letting go of Stick.

Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal

No changes from my last projection. Despite being a mainstay on special teams, Isaiah Spiller did not do much on the ground. Patterson was a summer standout. Vidal was productive upon returning from his injury, rushing for 49 yards on 11 carries against the Rams in Week 2.

Wide receiver (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko

No changes. Fehoko capped off an impressive summer with a 78-yard touchdown against the Cowboys. Brenden Rice stood out in training camp, but the same thing can’t be said about his performances in the preseason, mainly due to the lackluster quarterback play. Rice is worthy of a spot. He is a sharp route runner who blocks his tail off. But I can’t see the Chargers rostering seven wideouts.

Tight end (3): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt

Sometimes the best ability is availability, and that does not apply to Donald Parham, who’s struggled to stay healthy. He has also not improved as a blocker, something the Chargers want from their tight ends. Meanwhile, Smartt has improved in this department. He will also make his money on special teams.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell

No changes.

Edge rusher (5): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Tre’Mon Morris-Brash

I have the Chargers starting the season with five edge rushers. Chris Rumph II would’ve been given the nod after having a great summer. Unfortunately, he is dealing with a foot injury and I believe he will begin the season on the injured reserve. Morris-Brash showed some real juice as a pass rusher in training camp and preseason. He capped off his summer with a pick-six against the Cowboys.

Interior defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe

No changes. Eboigbe was practically nonexistent during camp and preseason. But the team used a fairly high draft pick on him, and playing defensive tackle in this league as a rookie is a learning curve so I believe he is safe.

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

No changes.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart

No changes.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, JT Woods

Tony Jefferson had the best performance of the preseason against the Cowboys, finishing with 14 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble. But I believe it was a little too late to warrant a roster spot. I expect him to land on the practice squad as he is not subject to waivers if he’s released. Finley played his way to being the third safety. Woods makes the squad, as he showed signs of improvement and intrigued as an outside cornerback, the position he transitioned to toward the end of the summer.

Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

No changes.

PFF: Chargers ‘can’t afford to lose’ this free agent

PFF named one pending free agent that each team in the NFL “can’t afford” to lose.

Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger revealed one free agent for every team they couldn’t afford to lose and tight end Gerald Everett was their submission for the Chargers.

Here is what Spielberger had to say on why Los Angeles shouldn’t let Everett walk.

The Chargers and their new regime are in for an offseason of major contraction, with so many potential cut or trade candidates. But we’ll get to that later. For now, retaining a solid tight end who has good chemistry with Justin Herbert makes sense.

Everett’s 28 forced missed tackles over the past two seasons are the second most among tight ends, and Herbert was never afraid to look his way in high-leverage moments down in the red zone and on third downs.

Signed two offseasons ago, Everett was a vital piece in the passing game. Everett proved to be reliable with his yards-after-the-catch ability and clutchness on money downs.

Everett finished with career-highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (555) in his first season with the Chargers. This past season, he still managed to surpass the 50-catch mark.

Everett and Justin Herbert had a solid connection the past two seasons, and it’s worth noting that new offensive coordinator Greg Roman uses a heavy dose of tight ends in his scheme.

The only thing that Everett has going against him is that he doesn’t offer much as a blocker, which Roman likes to have in his tight ends.

If the Chargers elect to let Everett walk, they could upgrade the positional room in the draft with someone like Brock Bowers with the No. 5 overall selection and a later pick.

3 Chargers poised to have breakout seasons in 2023

Highlighting three Chargers players who could be positioned to break out during the 2023 season.

Every season, there are players who break out onto the scene who may not have been dominant the season before, whether they had limited snaps, dealt with an injury, or just improved as a player in the offseason.

It’s no different for a few Chargers players poised to have breakout campaigns and help the team with genuine Super Bowl hopes this upcoming season.

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ selection of WR Quentin Johnston

Social media’s reaction to the pick of Quentin Johnston to join the Los Angeles Chargers.

With the No. 21 overall selection in the 2023 NFL draft, the Chargers took former TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

Here’s the reaction social media had to the pick of Johnston to join the Bolts.

 

Brandon Staley on Austin Ekeler: ‘We want this guy to be a Charger’

Brandon Staley sounds off on Austin Ekeler after he was granted permission to seek a trade.

The Chargers gave running back Austin Ekeler permission to seek a trade after the two parties failed to come to an agreement on a contract extension.

As of now, Ekeler remains a member of the team. And head coach Brandon Staley is hopeful that it stays that way.

“We’ve been in full communication with his team,” Staley told NFL Media’s Steve Wyche. “I think there’s alignment and a way forward. We want him to be a Charger. I think that that’s something that Tom [Telesco] has said. It’s something I’ve said. We want this guy to be a Charger.”

Ekeler signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal in 2020. He is due to make $6.25 million this year. He is an important piece of the offense, but his positional value might not be seen as crucial enough by Los Angeles to be worth paying him as much as he is hoping for.

“We’re also respectful of his position, and we’re going to see where it goes. There’s going to be time now between now and our first game, and we’ll see what happens. But I know the Chargers feel very strongly about Austin Ekeler. He’s just been fantastic for us.”

Last season, Ekeler had 915 yards and 13 touchdowns on 204 carries and also led the Chargers with 107 catches and five receiving touchdowns. Ekeler has 38 total touchdowns in the past two seasons, which is the most among NFL skill players.

Ekeler has some leverage because he can hold out during training camp. And the Chargers aren’t in a position to find his replacement. Entering his age-28 season, Ekeler has enough juice to produce a couple more good years. He has missed only one game in the past two seasons.

Chargers re-sign DL Morgan Fox

The Chargers retained a key piece on their defensive line.

Another one of the Chargers’ high-priority free agents is returning to Los Angeles.

On Wednesday, defensive lineman Morgan Fox’s agent David Canter broke the news that Fox would return to the Chargers. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later reported that Fox would be re-signed for two seasons.

It’s a fantastic re-signing for LA, who now return every starter from last season’s defensive line. Fox set a career-high in sacks with 6.5 on a one-year deal last season, leading many analysts to believe that he’d have a market larger than the Chargers would be able or willing to pay. Instead, the Bolts found a way to return the 28-year-old, setting him up for a solid encore season in powder blues.

It’s the second starter the Chargers have re-signed in as many days after retaining offensive tackle Trey Pipkins III on a three-year deal on Tuesday.

NFL betting: Point spread, over/under for Chargers vs. Texans in Week 4

The Chargers are 5.5-point favorites entering Week 4.

The Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) meet the Houston Texans (0-1-2) in Week 4 of the 2022 regular season.

Here are the betting odds for the matchup, per Tipico Sportsbook:

Spread Moneyline Total Points
Los Angeles Chargers -5.5 -230 O 43.5
-115
Houston Texans +5.5 +190 U 43.5
-105

The Chargers were dominated by the Jaguars last Sunday, 38-10.

Los Angeles went into the game with a recovering Justin Herbert from his rib injury and was missing key players in Keenan Allen, Corey Linsley and J.C. Jackson. But the injury bug bit again, taking out Rashawn Slater, Joey Bosa and Jalen Guyton throughout the contest.

Meanwhile, the Texans are coming off a loss to the Bears, 23-20.

Both teams were neck and neck the entire game, but Houston’s offense stalled in the fourth quarter, leading to Chicago’s comeback. With 1:05 remaining, tied 20 apiece, Davis Mills was intercepted to set up the Bears’ game-winning 30-yard field goal.

The last time the Chargers and Texans met was last season. Houston won, 41-29.

Sunday’s contest will begin at 10:00 a.m. PT and be broadcasted on CBS.

Chargers final 53-man roster projection for 2022 season

Here’s one final guess at what the initial Chargers 53-man roster might look like.

Training camp and preseason play are over, so the Chargers’ coaching staff will use them as their resources to get the roster from 80 players to 53 ahead of the 2022 season.

The team will have until 1 pm on Tuesday to make their cuts.

With that being said, here is our final projection of what we believe the initial roster will look like:

Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick

No change here. Daniel and Stick are still in a battle for the primary backup spot. Stick has been the better quarterback for most of the preseason but struggles with ball placement and had a bad game Friday against the Saints. Daniel brings veteran experience to the position that the team values.

Running back (4): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree III

As much as I’d hate for the team to keep four running backs, it seems like a formality with the Spiller ankle injury last week against the Cowboys. However, Rountree got more involved in the passing game against the Saints, and it looks like he will have a role. He and Kelley are also starting special teamers.

Fullback (1): Zander Horvath

Gabe Nabers has been practicing as a tight end because of injuries at the position, but that should tell you that Horvath has this job all but locked up.

Wide receiver (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, DeAndre Carter, Jalen Guyton

It pains me to leave preseason standout Michael Bandy off the 53, but I think there isn’t room for him if the team keeps three QBs and four RBs. Bandy is also limited to the slot where Allen, Palmer, and Carter can all produce as well. All five of the receivers projected to make the 53 will have a defined role on offense, with Carter and Guyton playing key roles on special teams.

Tight end (3): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty

Keeping it at three tight ends here because it seems like Parham will be ready to go by Week 1. While Hunter Kampmoyer has been a special teams starter, he fumbled on Friday against the Saints. If they can’t or don’t cross-train Horvath to play some tight end, I expect LA to make another addition after IR and PUP moves, whether Kampmoyer or an outside addition.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton, Jamaree Salyer, Will Clapp, Brenden Jaimes

The starting five is set with Pipkins winning the right tackle competition against Norton, who will be the swing tackle. Slater, Feiler, and Linsley haven’t played a single snap of preseason action, and for a good reason. All three will be standouts this season. Johnson has looked as advertised in his preseason action. Salyer has been the most impressive lineman of the preseason and should be the primary backup at guard. The last two spots are contentious between Clapp, Jaimes and Ryan Hunter. Ultimately, I think they like Clapp’s ability to play center and guard and Jaimes’ ability to fill in at right tackle, if necessary.

Defensive line (6): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Jerry Tillery, Breiden Fehoko

I kept Tillery off the past few projections, but the Chargers not playing him in the preseason finale all but indicated that he will make the team. While he continued to struggle against the run, Tillery will likely be given a role that plays to his strengths where he strictly rushes the quarterback. Fehoko has done plenty to earn a roster spot. He has been strong against the run since Day 1, but he showed improvement as a pass rusher this summer.

Edge rusher (3): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Chris Rumph II

As much as Jamal Davis and Carlo Kemp made their cases to earn a roster spot throughout camp, I think Kyle Van Noy will be relegated to the fourth edge defender, in addition to his duties at inside linebacker. If the Chargers lose one of their top three players at the position, Van Noy could transition to an edge rusher.

Linebacker (5): Kyle Van Noy, Drue Tranquill, Kenneth Murray Jr., Troy Reeder, Nick Niemann

I went back and forth between keeping six linebackers but decided to use the extra spot for the secondary. Amen Ogbongbemiga logged over 100 defensive snaps, including two starts, and played on special teams more towards the end of the 2021 season. If it comes down to it, I think the team favors Niemann’s special teams prowess over Ogbongbemiga, as he finished with 14 special teams tackles on coverage units last season, which tied for fourth-most in the NFL. Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if they both make the squad.

Cornerback (6): JC Jackson, Asante Samuel Jr., Bryce Callahan, Michael Davis, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard

In my recent projections, I kept five cornerbacks. But the reason why I believe the Chargers roster six is because of Jackson’s injury that could keep him out of the first two games of the season. The team does not have depth along the boundary, and that’s what Leonard would supply. While he struggled to get his head around to make plays on the football, he still showed the ability to stay in phase with receivers. His mistakes are correctable, and I believe Leonard could develop into a decent depth piece.

Safety (5): Derwin James Jr., Nasir Adderley, JT Woods, Alohi Gilman, Mark Webb

After standing out early in camp, Webb did not take a single snap in the preseason due to a calf issue. After undergoing knee surgery, Webb missed the final nine games of his rookie season in 2021. While not ideal for someone who struggles to stay on the field, the team is still high on Webb, and they believe he can be reliable depth across multiple positions in the secondary.

Specialists (3): K Dustin Hopkins, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

No changes made here.

Ranking Chargers’ rookies by potential 2022 impact

Ranking every rookie draft pick in order of their potential impact in 2022, beginning with the top pick, Zion Johnson.

With training camp set to start on July 27th, Chargers fans will soon get a true first look at the 2022 rookie class, which features at least one full-time starter in first-round guard, Zion Johnson. Meanwhile, the rest of the class will battle for rotational snaps throughout July and August.

Here’s a quick overview of the entire draft class, with players ranked by their potential impact as rookies.

1. G Zion Johnson

As mentioned in the introduction, Johnson is already cemented as a starter. Part of the reason for that is the lack of talent opposing him in a competition, but part of it is that Johnson has the talent to be an impact player right away. He may not get off to a scorching start the way 2021 first rounder Rashawn Slater did at left tackle, but Johnson also has the unenviable task of creating chemistry with both Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton during training camp as their battle for the right tackle spot unfolds. Matt Feiler’s presence a year ago has been cited as a big reason Slater’s transition to the NFL went so smoothly, and Johnson will not have that benefit (although center Corey Linsley is a top-tier running mate on the other side). Even so, the expectations will be high for the Boston College product, and early returns from OTAs suggest he’ll be up to the challenge.

2. RB Isaiah Spiller

Despite being the Chargers’ third pick of the draft, Spiller clocks in second here because of how wide-open the competition for touches is behind Austin Ekeler. It’s a situation that’s been discussed at length this offseason: Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree have struggled, Spiller was billed as a top back in this draft before ultimately falling to the 4th round, etc. OTAs didn’t give us much in the way of definitive rankings between the three of them, which means training camp will be all-important in determining what exactly Spiller’s role will be. If he performs well, Ekeler could finally have the running mate LA has been searching for since Melvin Gordon left in free agency after the 2019 season.

3. S JT Woods

Many people were surprised to hear Woods’ name called as early as it was when the Chargers picked him up in the third round, which seems to suggest they have big plans for him. As a rookie, I’d guess his primary role is going to be backfilling Derwin James’ safety spot when the All-Pro moves to dime backer or into the slot. However, he’ll first have to prove he’s more capable in that role than Alohi Gilman. Woods will also be valuable injury insurance if James or Nasir Adderley is forced to miss time, which represents a massive upgrade on the razor-thin group the Chargers put on the field in 2021 when similar issues struck them. With a 4.36 40, expect him to also make an impact on special teams right away.

4. FB Zander Horvath

It may seem ambitious to name a fullback drafted with the team’s last pick of the cycle in the top half of these impact ratings, especially when he’s still facing a competition with incumbent Gabe Nabers to make the team. But teams rarely draft fullbacks unless they have a vision for them, and Horvath profiles as an immediate impact player on special teams, an area where Nabers has been serviceable but not a standout. Daniel Popper of The Athletic also believes that the fullback spot is Horvath’s to lose heading into training camp. With his background as a running back at Purdue, Horvath may also get a few goal-line touches if the bruiser-type running backs continue to struggle this season.

5. DL Otito Ogbonnia

We’ve entered primary backup territory, as Ogbonnia will likely be a rotational player at best with the likes of Morgan Fox and Jerry Tillery soaking up most of the snaps at 5-tech. It’s possible that Tillery ends up as a surprise cut or trade before the season starts, but I think it’s more likely that he makes the roster and plays out his rookie contract before leaving in free agency next offseason. Fox wasn’t a huge impact player in Carolina, but performed much better with the Rams, when he was in the same defensive system as the Chargers’ current one. It’s a testament to how improved the defensive line is that Ogbonnia won’t be playing a lion’s share of the snaps, but it also means that the fifth-rounder likely won’t make a significant impact as a rookie. Considering he’s just 21 this season, with Tillery and Fox on expiring contracts, year two may be his chance to shine.

6. CB Ja’Sir Taylor

Popper has Taylor making the roster as LA’s fifth corner as of right now, citing his inside/outside flexibility and special teams upside. I tend to agree, although the competition on the back end of the roster between Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tevaughn Campbell, and Kemon Hall will be a fierce one. The former Demon Deacon has an unreal amount of college experience under his belt, with 62 career games played over 5 seasons at Wake Forest. That seasoning could be enough to take him over the top. With an elite speed grade and experience as a returner, Taylor should be one of the favorites at gunner as well.

7. OL Jamaree Salyer

I was a huge fan of Salyer coming into the draft, primarily because of his ability to play all five spots along the offensive line. For a brief while, people theorized that he may even be in the mix for a starting spot if Matt Feiler moved to right tackle to quash the battle between Norton and Pipkins. With Feiler staying at guard, it’s more likely that Salyer is the team’s primary backup there, with the loser of the right tackle competition serving as the swing tackle and free-agent pickup Will Clapp backing up Corey Linsley at center. With that hierarchy all but established heading into training camp, Chargers fans should almost hope that Salyer’s impact is low. Because if he is asked to be a high-impact player as a rookie, it likely means that one of Feiler or Zion Johnson have gone down with injury.

8. CB Deane Leonard

Leonard still faces a bit of an uphill battle to make the roster, although he was making plays left and right in OTAs. Carrying that momentum into training camp could be enough to catapult him over Taylor, Campbell, and Hall for that CB5 spot, but I think it’s more likely he becomes a priority practice squad addition. Leonard is a bit more of an unknown than Taylor, simply because the former played three seasons at Calgary in Canada before transferring to Mississippi. While the game has grown tremendously in recent years north of the border, adjusting to the level of competition in the NFL may take an extra year or two for Leonard, and that’s okay! Luckily, the Chargers aren’t in a position where they need to ask him to contribute right away.

2022 NFL draft: Gavino Borquez’ final 7-round projections for Chargers

Find out how Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez thinks the 2022 NFL draft will play out for Los Angeles.

Here it is! My final seven-round mock draft for the Chargers, with my prediction of who they’ll take with each of their picks.

Let’s dive in!

Round 1, No. 17, WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

The Chargers have set themselves up to go a variety of ways with their first pick. While protecting Justin Herbert may be a higher priority, it’s hard for the team to surpass the one element they have been missing: speed. Olave’s 4.39-long speed would perfectly complement Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley look to get the most out of Herbert’s rookie contract.

Round 3, No. 79, OL Cole Strange, Chattanooga

The Chargers need to reshape the right side of the offensive line. While they could take a right tackle here, Matt Feiler is a candidate to be moved to that spot, considering he played there during his time with the Steelers. Strange does a solid job setting short anchors, is sound with his body control and lower-half footwork to mirror, shows the awareness to pick up blitzes/stunts, and has the temperament to finish in the run game. He would plugin at one of the guard spots, with the ability to take over as the starting center when Corey Linsley’s time with Los Angeles comes to an end.

Round 4, No. 123, CB Alontae Taylor, Tennessee

The Chargers added the top-tier talent of J.C. Jackson to start alongside Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. Still, with an ever-revolving secondary, the team needs playmakers behind them. Taylor has the speed, physicality, and cover skills to make an impact at the next level and the overall skill set to be a contributor on special teams. Further, there is also some familiarity as Taylor played under defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley in 2019 & 2020, which is when he was the Volunteer’s defensive coordinator.

Round 5, No. 160, DT Eric Johnson, Missouri State

The Chargers upgraded the interior part of the defensive line with the additions of Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson, which should benefit the run defense that finished near the bottom of the league last season. Still, the team needs to add one or two more pieces to the group.

Johnson participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, where his dominant performance raised the eyebrows of evaluators to the point where he was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

There, the 6-foot-4 and 299-pounder with 34 1/4-inch arms stood out, winning with his length, power in his punch, agility and explosiveness off the snap, showing the ability to eat up blocks and make plays in the backfield.

It’s worth noting that Johnson had one of his few top-30 visits with the Bolts.

Round 6, No. 195, RB Keaontay Ingram, USC

Finding Austin Ekeler’s running mate is atop the Chargers’ priority, so they may address this position earlier on. Nonetheless, the team will more than likely draft one after passing up on the available options via free agency.

Ingram is a transfer from Texas who rushed for 911 yards for the Trojans last season. Boasting a frame at 221 pounds, Ingram has the size which he uses to break arm tackles, coupled with outstanding change of direction ability, footwork, vision and juice at the second level.

Round 6, No. 214, EDGE Luiji Vilain, Wake Forest

The Chargers have one of the best edge defender tandems with Joey Bosa and the newest member, Khalil Mack. However, the team needs pass-rushing depth behind them.

After spending four years at Michigan, Vilain transferred to Wake Forest, where he had a breakout season. At his Pro Day, Vilain tested off the charts with a 1.57 10-yard split, 7.01 three-cone, and 35-inch vertical jump.

At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds with a 79-inch wingspan, Vilain has the explosiveness, power, length, and high motor to win around the edge at the next level.

Round 7, No. 236, OT Zachary Thomas, San Diego State

The right tackle position is one of the most pressing needs, but as I said earlier, there’s the scenario where the Chargers move Matt Feiler over to the spot. Regardless of the direction they go about the position, depth is still needed.

Thomas ran a 4.96-second 40-yard dash (90th percentile) with a 7.40-second three-cone (92nd). He earned an 87.2 overall PFF grade in 2021 and let up three sacks, two quarterback hits, and eight hurries.

Thomas shows functional athleticism, quality strength/leverage, excellent balance, and a high level of intelligence as far as picking up stunts/blitzes goes, projecting as a reliable swing option.

Round 7, No. 254, S Joey Blount, Virginia

With defensive backs being integral pieces in Staley’s defense, the Chargers add to a safety room that needs some retooling, especially as Alohi Gilman and Mark Webb spent a good chunk of last season on the sidelines with their perspective injuries.

Blount primarily lined up as a free safety in the Cavalier’s defense, but he saw some time in the slot and the box, providing some position versatility. With his speed, toughness, and physicality, he can make a significant impact on special teams in Year 1.

Round 7, No. 255, TE Derrick Deese Jr., San Jose State

The Chargers have a solid tight end group with Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty and the newest addition, Gerald Everett. However, last season proved how integral of a position it is in Joe Lombardi’s offense.

While he didn’t test well, Deese has the body control hands and length to high point the football that should translate well at the next level, but in addition, he’s a competitive run blocker. He also has enough speed and toughness to contribute on special teams.

Round 7, No. 260, LB Nephi Sewell, Utah

The Chargers complete their draft with a player who will compete for one of the linebacker spots on the depth chart and has special teams upside, selecting Sewell, the brother of Penei, with their final pick.

While Sewell lacks the physical traits, the former safety has the coverage skills and the play speed and toughness to contribute in the NFL.