Editor's note: Tyler Conklin signed a one-year deal with the LA Chargers after this article was published.
With no big swings in NFL free agency, the LA Chargers are going to turn to the 2025 NFL Draft to make big additions to the roster. The only problem is unlike last year, the Chargers are picking outside the top 20, adding much more variance to the draft process.
A clear top target in the first round has emerged for the Bolts in Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Not only does Loveland have Jim Harbaugh ties, but he is exactly what the Chargers need at the tight end position. Loveland has the potential to be one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the sport and is no slouch as a blocker, either.
The Chargers are not the only team that needs a tight end and recognizes Loveland's high potential. There is no guarantee Loveland falls to the No. 22 pick, which would be the worst-case scenario for the Bolts.
Los Angeles is clearly preparing for that worst-case scenario to happen with the latest free agent the team is hosting on a visit. Free-agent tight end Tyler Conklin is scheduled to meet with the Chargers, potentially giving the Chargers another pass-catching option.
Chargers are clearly preparing for Colston Loveland nightmare scenario by signing Tyler Conklin
If the Chargers sign Conklin they will essentially be paying for an NFL Draft insurance plan. Signing Conklin would ensure the Chargers don't end up empty-handed at tight end and at least have something to fall back on in the case Loveland doesn't fall.
Conklin has a much lower ceiling than Loveland and would just serve as a band-aid fix as the team looks for better long-term options in the future. The one benefit of Conklin is his legitimate talent as a pass-catching tight end. However, he is a pretty porous blocker, which may hold him back on a Harbaugh team.
Alas, Conklin would at least patch together the tight end room alongside Will Dissly, who would serve as the blocking specialist. The former fifth-round pick has averaged 553 receiving yards over the last four years, which is at least something.
Signing Conklin would not rule Loveland out as a first-round pick. That should not be a concern at all for fans. The Chargers aren't going to pass on an extremely talented tight end because they have a one-year stopgap option on the roster.
If Loveland ends up falling, Conklin would simply slide down the roster as the TE3 who can be a pass-catching option in certain formations and packages. He won't cost much, so it's not like the Bolts would be overspending by going this route.
If Loveland doesn't fall then Conklin would serve a bigger role on the Chargers. Los Angeles would likely still draft a tight end but it would come later in the draft with the team taking a swing on one of the mid-round tight ends with pass-catching potential.
Mid-round tight ends can be great and there are several promising options in this year's class. But there is much more variance, hence the need for Conklin.