At first glance, the Los Angeles Chargers don't have serious needs at their skill positions.
They have a deep wide receiver core that, if properly utilized in a schematic sense, could prove to be their most dangerous weapon. Omarion Hampton looked explosive when he was healthy in his rookie year, and Kimani Vidal is shaping up to be a solid complementary back.
Moreover, Oronde Gadsden II's breakout in 2025 certainly makes it seem like the Chargers have found their tight end of the future.
Yet with their depth at the rest of that position, it is possible that tight end becomes a sneaky draft need for the Chargers this offseason. Although Gadsden emerged as an explosive play threat, Los Angeles still needs a capable blocking and pass-catching tight end to complement his play.
Sam Roush out of Stanford could be their best option.
The Chargers need another offensive piece alongside Oronde Gadsden II
Gadsden's breakout in 2025 was remarkable. After starting the season as a healthy scratch, he amassed 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns through 15 games. He became a primary offensive option for the Chargers rather quickly.
Yet the tight ends below him on the depth chart were rather disappointing. Will Dissly dealt with injury issues, but he played just 31% of the team's snaps when he was available and activated. Tucker Fisk, who is a restricted free agent this offseason, played just 34% of the snaps.
Fisk is a solid blocking tight end, and it's reasonable to keep him on for 2026. But Dissly should be gone, and a need for a complementary tight end could quickly emerge for Los Angeles.
This draft class has a clear TE1 (Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon), but there are a number of strong players at the position who could go in the mid-to-late rounds. Roush is projected by many outlets as a fourth or fifth-round pick, and he has the skill-set to slot in perfectly alongside Gadsden.
In his Senior season at Stanford, he amassed 49 receptions for 545 yards and two touchdowns. At 6'5" and 260 lbs, he also presents a formidable blocking presence at the end of the offensive line. Although his lone notable moment in the Senior Bowl was a dropped pass out in the flat, his draft stock should remain steady.
There are other, later options to be considered as well. But Roush has displayed impressive upside, and it might be worth taking a swing on him in the draft.