LA Chargers: Ranking the 2021 rookies by projected first-year impact

By Jason Reed | May 23, 2021

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 17: Cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr. #26 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 17, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Tar Heels 31 to 28. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

4. Tre’ McKitty

Tre’ McKitty was not many people’s first nor second option at tight end for the LA Chargers in the 2021 NFL Draft but alas, it is the prospect that the team drafted and you can see the potential there.

McKitty has the athleticism to be a weapon in passing downs and he looked really good at the Senior Bowl. The problem is that I did not love his actual game tape and I do think his ceiling as a pass target at the tight end position is limited.

Sure, he is athletic, but every tight end in the league is athletic now and so are the guys that are defending him. I can see him being a reliable red-zone target one day but I do not think this is the every-down TE1 that the Chargers might be hoping they got.

In year one his duties will likely be reserved for red-zone chances as well as run-blocking. McKitty is the best blocker at the tight end position already so he is going to get plenty of chances in heavy sets and in short-yardage situations.

That still will not be that often but it is enough to get him this high on the list. Hopefully, his impact can increase year-over-year for the Chargers.

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