Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Chris Crocker (32) during third quarter of the AFC wild card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Ladarius Green is on top of Gil Brandt’s list of top young tight end prospects in the NFL. He has been on a few posts this offseason as a potential breakout candidates. His abilities are is recognized by a lot of the experts in the game. Chargers fans have been waiting to see Green get te opportunity on the field and the rest of the NFL will soon see what the kid can do. This is the year that we all expect him to share time and eventually take over the spot from Antonio Gates.
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Green has sat behind the Hall of Fame tight end for a couple of seasons to learn the craft and now it is his time to shine. The Chargers still will have Gates on the field, but Green will get thrown into the mix more and more. Head Coach Mike McCoy wished that he got the young tight end involved more last season and he will be sure to get the involvement high from the start of the year.
Look for the Chargers to use double tight end sets often to take advantage of the talent that they have at the position. Gates may ave lost a step, but he still is a top target for Philip Rivers. He still has the ability to get open quickly and move the chains. He still can find openings in the red zone and score touchdowns. He still is a weapon.
With the pair of Gates and Green on the field, the team can create mismatches all day. If defenses look to stop the passing game, the Chargers can pound the rock with Ryan Mathews and the rest of the running backs. If defenses want to bring in more linebackers to combat the running attack, the Chargers will air it out to Gates and Green.
Green’s freak athleticism is what has everyone excited. His play against the Kansas City Chiefs last season showed the type of speed that he brings to the field. He has great hands and has the size to jump over defenders. His potential in the offense is high. The expectations are high.
Could Green end up with more yards than Antonio Gates this season?