The Los Angeles Chargers bounced back from a five-win 2023 season to make the playoffs in 2024 under Jim Harbaugh. 2024 NFL Draft picks Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey played big roles in helping Justin Herbert lead a more balanced attack, but are they a pass-catching tight end away from being an unstoppable offense?
While the season ended with a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans in the playoffs, there is high hopes for Herbert and the Chargers moving forward. McConkey has an outstanding rookie season and Alt helped stabilize the offensive line. The Chargers also featured a balanced rush attach which allowed Herbert to do his thing. But what if he had a great tight end?
2025 NFL Draft features intriguing talent at the tight end position
Luckily, for the Chargers, the 2025 NFL Draft is looking like a great one for tight end talent. The top two tight ends are Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland who should be first selections. Loveland, who played under Harbaugh when he was at Michigan, is primed for the Chargers due to his athleticism at the tight end position. His natural hands, rout running and athleticism makes him a dangerous target down the seam, which would only help the production of a big arm QB like Herbert.
The big question will be whether the Loveland will be there when the Chargers select at No. 22? If he isn’t, should Harbaugh get aggressive and move up to get him like he did in landing McConkely in the 2024 NFL Draft?
One NFL Mock Draft answered that question.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: NFL.com’s Dan Parr has the Chargers getting aggressive
In his first NFL Mock Draft, NFL.com’s Dan Parr went trade happy in the middle round of the draft. One of the blockbuster trades included Myles Garrett being shipped to the Dallas Cowboys. Another trade involved the Chargers getting aggressive and trading up for Loveland who played at Michigan under Harbaugh.
Parr writes:
“More tight end mania! Jim Harbaugh isn’t about to let his fellow Michigan Man slide to the Bengals. The Bolts snag another pass-catcher for Justin Herbert, sending Arizona a first-, third- and fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, along with a 2026 fourth-rounder, in exchange for the No. 16 pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder.”
Will the Chargers have to get that aggressive for Loveland who did miss games in 2024 due to an injury?
Read more about Colston Loveland:
As the No. 31 ranked prospect on Pro Football Focus’ big board, it’s possible the Chargers can stand pat and select Loveland at No. 22, which still may be considered high for most teams. But, with the Chargers on the hunt for a tight end to put in their offense, that aggressive approach could be worth it since Harbaugh is familiar with Loveland and can put him in position to be an impact in the offense Year 1.
NFL Mocks does agree with a tight end for the Chargers, but if they are to trade up, it should be to grade Penn State’s Tyler Warren who was far and away the top tight end in college football. Both are similar in size and athleticism, but Warren’s play in helping Penn State make a national title run has him ranked higher than Loveland. As far as which player will be the better pro Year 1, the combination of Loveland and McConkey gives Herbert targets who can move the chains.
In Loveland, he gets the best tight end he had since his rookie season in which Hunter Henry was his prime target. This is a draft selection that makes too much sense for the Chargers. Not only would the pairing help the Herbert, but it should also allow 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston finally live up to expectations and become a consistent outside target in the Chargers offense. In 2024, he did show some promise with 55 catches for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns.