It's no secret that the Los Angeles Chargers need a prolific pass-catching tight end before the new campaign. They would be wise to rectify this issue at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft.
One prospect above all else is generating significant momentum. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland needs no introduction to Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. The pair enjoyed significant success together with the Wolverines and would likely jump at the chance to work with each other in the pros. Given their previous connection, the transition should be seamless en route to making an immediate difference.
This represents a win-win scenario for the Chargers. Unfortunately for Harbaugh, it's a waiting game at No. 22 overall.
Loveland is in contention to be the first tight end taken. Tyler Warren out of Penn State has a shot, but the gap differential between the two isn't considered large. The Chargers must be ready for anything, making the correct contingencies if both top-end tight ends are off the board by the time they go on the clock.
Here are four candidates the Chargers could pivot to later in the draft if Loveland isn't available in the first round.
Tight ends Chargers must draft if Colston Loveland doesn't fall
Chargers could draft Mason Taylor
Mason Taylor saw his draft stock soar over the assessment process. There's a lot of hard work ahead for the fledgling star. At the same time, he could only be scratching the surface of what he's truly capable of.
Taylor is a sound route technician with dependable hands and decent body control. Adding some muscle mass to become a more engaging blocker would be wise, but the potential is there to improve with a quarterback like Justin Herbert.
Chargers could draft Elijah Arroyo
There's a lot to like about Elijah Arroyo's chances of carving out a successful career for himself. The Miami prospect is a sound receiving option at the tight end spot, getting off routes in line or even a little further outside in the slot. Asking him to be a consistent blocker is a stretch given his limitations in this area, but he's a sound Day 2 selection if the Chargers miss out on Loveland.
Chargers could draft Gunnar Helm
If the Chargers are looking for a physical presence capable of generating yards after the catch, Gunnar Helm could be the guy. He became renowned for this trait dring his time with the Texas Longhorns, which adds a different dynamic to Los Angeles' offensive scheme looking at their current options.
Helm isn't the best blocker, although he flashes in pass protection on occasion. Utilizing his strengths while giving him time to improve other problem areas is only going to help his cause.
Chargers could draft Harold Fannin Jr.
This would be a wildcard, but Harold Fannin Jr. is gaining huge interest at the right time. He's an athletic pass-catcher with supreme contact balance and a flair for coming up big in critical moments throughout his college tenure at Bowling Green.
Coming from a smaller school puts an asterisk on his exceptional production, but the physical intangibles cannot be denied. This is another impressive after-the-catch threat to provide Herbert with an easy outlet in the passing game.