Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
- Potential round: Sixth or seventh
If the Los Angeles Chargers are unable to either agree to a new contract with Hunter Henry or fail to franchise tag him then tight end is going to be a much bigger need for the team in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, even if they do bring back Henry, the team should be inclined to add a late-round tight end with Virgil Green‘s contract ending after 2020.
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The tight end class is not stacked this season but there are some intriuging late-round options at tight end for the team to consider, with one of them being from UCLA in Devin Asiasi. Asiasi could go as high as the late-fifth round, but chances are he will either fall in the middle of the sixth round or even slip to the Chargers at the top of the seventh.
Asiasi did not much have tape before the season but put together a quality season with the UCLA Bruins that should have NFL teams excited. Asiasi hauled in 44 receptions in jumior year for 641 yards and four touchdowns.
Asiasi is a bigger tight end that has shown great potential in run blocking that could be even better with NFL coaching and an improved diet and exercise schedule, all things that we see improve rookies once they get to the NFL.
Asiasi is a tight end with a lot of upside that excelled in route running with UCLA and could develop into a starting-caliber tight end if he can improve his athleticism and adjust to the NFL.
It could take some time, which makes him a good fit for the Los Angeles Chargers if they bring back Henry, as he would have time to work on his skills before slowly being woven into the offensive playbook.
Personally, my favorite late-round tight end for the Chargers to target is Harrison Bryant out of Florida Atlantic, but Asiasi would not be so bad either.