Ranking the first-round tight end options for the Chargers
By Jason Reed
The LA Chargers can go a multitude of directions with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. There is not a set first-round need for the Bolts and the team's ultimate decision with the pick will be dictated by what happens the 20 picks prior.
One of the most interesting scenarios is the Chargers taking a tight end in the first round of the draft. This tight end class is uniquely deep and Kellen Moore's offense is predicated around having two talented pass-catching tight ends. Throw in Brandon Staley's comments about the team needing to add offensive weapons, not necessarily receivers, and tight end seems plausible.
Ranking the 3 first-round tight ends the Chargers could draft:
3. Darnell Washington, Georgia
Darnell Washington is an extremely interesting prospect and if he can develop as a pass-catcher then he might end up being the best tight end in this entire class. Washington's blocking ability with his size and strength make him a freak of nature that would undoubtedly translate to the NFL game.
But with limited experience as a pass-catcher in Georgia's offense compared to his peers, there is a lower ceiling as an offensive weapon. He will stick around in the league because of his blocking ability but the Chargers might be looking for a more polished pass-catcher.
if the Chargers pass on tight end altogether in round one and Washington somehow falls in round two then it would be a no-brainer. But as a first-round pick, Washington is definitely the worse of the three options for the Bolts.
The Chargers recently drafted a Georgia tight end with potential that was raw as a pass catcher but was a good blocker in Tre' McKitty. That has not really worked out for the team. For that reason, they may avoid going with another Georiga tight end.