Charlie Kolar, David Njoku and Oronde Gadsden II give the Los Angeles Chargers one of the NFL's deepest and most versatile tight end rooms. Who the leader of the pack is remains a mystery heading into training camp, though.
Yes?
The answer to the Chargers' question of Kolar, Njoku or Gadsden may very well be all of the above. There may be a nominal starter, yet they have different skill sets that can be used interchangeably depending on the opponent. Trying to figure out how the pecking order will ultimately shake out isn't worth the trouble, as Eric Smith of the team's official website highlighted.
"All of this is a long-winded way of saying that the Chargers aren't going to have a player dominate the [tight end] room like Hall of Famer Antonio Gates used to do.
"Maybe one player emerges throughout the season and takes on a larger role, but I fully expect [offensive coordinator Mike] McDaniel to employ all three players in various ways to keep defenses on their toes this season," Smith wrote.
Trying to figure out the Chargers' TE depth chart is a headache waiting to happen
If we're following the money, Kolar figures to be the top dog. Los Angeles signed him to a three-year, $24.3 million contract with $17 million guaranteed in free agency this offseason. The ex-Baltimore Raven has earned a reputation as one of the league's best blockers at his position that lends itself well to playing time.
Nevertheless, Kolar notably hasn't seen more than 15 targets in any of his first four pro campaigns with the Ravens. Sitting behind three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews and backup Isaiah Likely surely had a lot to do with it. The lack of involvement as a receiver at least opens the door for Njoku and/or Gadsden to take on a meaningful role anyhow.
If the Chargers are going by pedigree, then Njoku is the guy; he's by far the most established option of the bunch. His near-decade-long track record of success with the Cleveland Browns gives head coach Jim Harbaugh and Co. proof of concept. The Miami product has proven capable of handling traditional in-line duties and also has the athleticism and playmaking ability to move around the formation.
Then there's Gadsden, who appears to be L.A.'s TE of the future. The 2025 fifth-round pick exploded onto the scene as a rookie before hitting a wall down the stretch. His pass-catching upside is tantalizing and could be enough to vault him to the top of the depth chart.
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