Chargers tight ends: Hunter Henry
Henry has yet to play a full NFL season coming into his fourth year, but still finished as the 11th and 12th highest-scoring tight end in the only two seasons he has played.
Drafters are optimistic Henry will have a career year, as he is being drafted at an ADP of 59 (63 in PPR), one spot behind fellow tight end Evan Engram and three behind O.J. Howard. That makes him the sixth-highest drafted tight end. With Rob Gronkowski seemingly retired from the NFL, the search for the next No. 1 tight end begins this season. Though popular names like Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz will be taken much earlier, taking a star running back or receiver with their initial selections and waiting for someone like Henry may prove more valuable in the long run.
Henry was emerging as a go-to guy for Rivers during the 2017 season before it was cut short due to a lacerated kidney. This year, he can be expected to take his most important role yet. But still, there are a many mouths to feed in the Chargers’ passing game, and pass attempts are also expected to decrease from last season, so expectations can be tempered. Where he provides the most value, especially if Gordon is not with the team, is in the red zone. Henry may not see targets as often as most starting tight ends get throughout a game, but when it comes time to score touchdowns, No. 86 may be the Chargers’ best bet. With the tight end position being a desolate fantasy wasteland, Henry could still finish as a top five fantasy player at his position.