The LA Chargers hit such a big home run in the 2024 NFL Draft under general manager Joe Hortiz that it is easy to forget how bad the team's other recent draft classes have been. Outside of a few exceptions, former GM Tom Telesco really put together some stinkers before eventually getting fired.
Telesco's biggest flaw was finding talent in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. The Chargers would often reach for prospects under Telesco, favoring traits and the potential to develop players over raw talent. Unfortunately, Telesco never hired the right coaches to actually develop said talent.
One recent example of this is 2021 third-round pick Tre' McKitty. Despite there being other pressing needs at the time, the Chargers drafted the blocking tight end with the intention of developing him into a well-rounded NFL player.
That never happened. McKitty was a healthy scratch during most of his tenure with the Chargers and was released before the end of his rookie contract in 2023. McKitty ended up signing to the Buffalo Bills practice squad but would never play in a game, eventually being cut before the 2024 season.
After sitting on the shelf for several months with his NFL career seemingly over, McKitty has landed on a new team, which may represent his last chance of carving out an NFL career.
#Browns designate rookie DT Mike Hall Jr. (knee) to return, and sign TE Tre McKitty to the practice squad:
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 11, 2024
Former Chargers tight end Tre' McKitty signs to Browns practice squad
As much as McKitty struggled in Los Angeles, it is good to see him back on his feet with a chance to play in the NFL again. Browns tight end David Njoku is dealing with an ankle injury so it would not be surprising if McKitty is elevated at some point and gets to play in a game.
The Chargers are dealing with tight end woes themselves with Will Dissly suffering a shoulder injury on Sunday against the Chiefs. Hayden Hurst is on IR, leaving Stone Smartt as the team's saving grace at tight end after a standout second half against Kansas City.
This current Chargers regime is not the same regime that drafted and cut McKitty, so it is interesting to ponder whether or not the team considered a reunion of some kind. If McKitty would have lived up to the billing of being a good blocking tight end then Jim Harbaugh likely would have coveted his skill set.
However, in addition to not offering much in the passing game, McKitty struggled as a blocker and floundered on special teams. Instead of giving him a second chance in LA, the Chargers will be relying on depth options such as Tucker Fisk.