Chargers Rumors: Three Break out Candidates for 2017
By Jason Reed
Hunter Henry
The second-round draft pick out of Arkansas will be a good protegé for all-time great Antonio Gates, despite how big the shoes are to fill. While Henry may never be the type of player Gates is, because well Rob Gronkowski is the only guy that has a chance, he will certainly be a reliable option for the end of Rivers’ career and the beginning of a new career.
The Chargers thought they had Gates protegé in Ladarius Green, but after his departure to Pittsburgh the organization needed another tight end. That tight end, of course, came in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Chargers seem to be very high on Henry, and for good reason too. In split snaps with Gates last season Henry caught for 478 yards and eight touchdowns. At the very least Henry proved that he can find the end zone, which is a great starting point for a career at tight end.
Under the guidance of Antonio Gates Henry will certainly succeed. Like we saw with Phillip Rivers playing behind Drew Brees, Henry will only pick up Gates best advice while crafting his own expertise. Like I said, he may not be Antonio Gates, but who is to say he won’t be great?
With Gates only getting older his workload will certainly reduce. Gates is still Rivers’ favorite target outside of injury prone Keenan Allen, and the Bolts are going to need Gates available in the big situations. That gives Henry more time in every day snaps, and likely a break out season.