Ranking the AFC West tight ends from worst to best in 2023
By Jason Reed
2. LA Chargers
- Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre' McKitty, Stone Smartt
There is a world in which the Chargers' tight end room does not stay healthy and it is the worst in the division. You could make that case for any of these teams at any position but the Bolts are more privy to injuries. Plus, the Chargers losing one of their top two TEs is more impactful than Denver or Vegas.
It is definitely justifiable to be concerned about the depth of the position for the Bolts. McKitty took a huge step backward in his second season and was not even blocking well, which is what he was drafted to do. Behind him, the Chargers have an assortment of practice squad guys with no real standouts.
That being said, Everett is easily the second-best tight end in the entire division as it stands right now. While he does not get the mainstream credit from the casual NFL fan, Everett had a really good season in 2022 and is definitely on the better end of the pass-catching tight-end spectrum.
Parham is also someone who is underrated and unlike reclamation projects like Hooper or Howard, he is getting better. Parham has really blossomed from being just a red-zone target as his blocking has become crucial for this team and his ability to get open in 12 personnel.
The gap between No. 2 and No. 1 at tight end is bigger than any other position in the entire division. But Chargers fans can sleep well knowing that the Bolts' tight end room is better than half of the AFC West.