The Los Angeles Chargers have gotten their fair share of criticisim for how they've handled this offseason.
In one sense, the frustration is reasonable. They, at one point, had the most cap space in the NFL. But they reverted to their typically conservative roster-building approach, setting aside a large chunk of that money for internal extensions.
It wasn't the blockbuster offseason that many fans hoped for. But let's not forget about some of the moves the Chargers did make. Their signing of Charlie Kolar, combined with their release of Will Dissly and their apparent willingness to let Tucker Fisk in free agency, will be a major boon to their offense.
Kolar has the in-line blocking abilities to take on a major role and fill in the gaps where breakout pass-catchr Oronde Gadsden II cannot.
Los Angeles, however, could still be in play for another tight end in the Draft, preferably one whose skill-set sits somewhere on the spectrum between Kolar and Gadsden. In Mel Kiper Jr.'s recent piece on prospects who he thinks will outperform their draft stocks, he gave a major vote of confidence to Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon.
He's someone the Chargers should have their eyes on if they're able to accrue additional late-round draft capital.
Bill Barnwell believes Eli Raridon could quickly outperform his draft stock
Although this class likely has just one first-round talent at tight end, it's an overall deep group at the position in 2026. If the Chargers are in the market for an additional pass-catcher on Day 3, grabbing someone like Raridon in the fourth or fifth round wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.
Here's what Kiper had to say:
"There's room to further fill out his frame, and he should keep getting better. Raridon is likely a role player in the NFL, and has the ability to line up at H-back or in-line, but he will be a good one. I'd expect him to go in Round 4." Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Raridon had an impressive, if inconsistent, senior season at Notre Dame. Across 12 games, he posted 32 receptions for 482 yards. He has both pass-catching talent and the physical frame to serve as a Y-tight end almost immediately at the NFL level.
What's appealing about Raridon for the Chargers is that a Day 3 gamble on a tight end would be a relatively safe one. They already have an explosive pass-catcher in Gadsden, and they have their primary blocking piece in Kolar. Drafting Raridon would simply be a bet on his ability to fill out his frame and continue to improve at the NFL level.
Of course, if there are still major needs to fill on Day 3 (such as defensive tackle), Los Angeles will be fine adding a tertiary tight end in free agency. But Raridon is someone they should have their eyes on if the conditions are right.
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