Chargers: Drafting a late-round tight end should be considered
By Jason Reed
Antonio Gates is the best tight end in Chargers’ history and arguably the best all-time. At 37 years old, it is time to move on from the legend.
I genuinely cannot remember watching the Los Angeles (and San Diego) Chargers without Antonio Gates. The Chargers signed Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003, I was four years old when the 2003 season began. Now, fifteen seasons later, it is time for Gates and the Chargers to bid their farewells.
Gates has been revolutionary to the game of football. A college basketball standout, Gates decided to give football a go; the Chargers, after giving Gates a tryout, decided that they would allow him to give the NFL a go.
The rest is history. Gates paved the avenue for tight ends like Jimmy Graham, who also have basketball experience.
Now, Gates’ sights are set on winning a Super Bowl. And although he is approaching 40 years old, which is very old in football years, he could make a return to a contending team to give it one last go. The Chargers, being a contending team, certainly would not be hurt from giving the veteran a one-year deal. They owe him that.
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However, the Chargers do need to consider a late-round tight end as well. Having Gates as the number two tight end is not enough. While he still is a red zone threat, Gates’ run blocking leaves a lot to be desired. If something happens to Hunter Henry, the Chargers will be in trouble.
Thus, a run-blocking specialist should be considered in the fifth to the seventh round for the Chargers. Quite frankly, the passing attack is already so good that they can afford to get a less-talented pass threat as a backup tight end.
One guy that fits the bill perfectly is Marcus Baugh out of Ohio State. Baugh is athletic and has surprising speed for his six-foot-five frame. Although he lacks elusiveness, he can be a vertical threat in tight end heavy packages. If the focus is on Henry and Gates, Baugh can use his speed to get down the field and get open.
Most importantly though, Baugh is a good edge blocker. Although he will not lock down opposing linebackers, he can give an elusive back like Melvin Gordon enough time to bounce to the outside. Antonio Gates cannot provide the same amount of cushion.
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Ultimately, I am not against the Chargers bringing back Antonio Gates. Gates is a legend and I would hate to see him walk away like LaDainian Tomlinson did with the New York Jets. However, the Chargers must avoid relying too heavily on the 37-year-old veteran.