Oakland Raiders: Stacking up tight ends against the AFC West

Los Angeles Chargers

Key Contributors: Virgil Green, Cole Hunt, Sean Culkin

Given how effectively quarterback Philip Rivers uses his tight ends – he did help make Antonio Gates a household name and one of the league’s best tight ends – had youngster Hunter Henry suffered a season ending injury in the early portion of the offseason work, Los Angeles very well could have pushed the Chiefs, as having the best tight ends group in the division.

With Hunter done for the year though, the Chargers are still mulling the possibility of bringing Gates back for a sixteenth season, despite the severe decline in production from him as age and injuries have taken their toll.

That should probably tell you a lot about the state of Los Angeles’ tight ends group.

Unless and until they sign Gates though, the Chargers will be relying on Virgil Green to hold it down for them. Green, who spent seven years in Denver, never had more than 22 receptions in any one season. For his career, he has 71 receptions for 807 total yards and four touchdowns.

They’ll also have undrafted free agent Cole Hunt, and last year’s undrafted free agent pick up Sean Culkin – who recorded no stats in 2017 – manning the position.

Because Rivers loves his tight ends so much, Los Angeles’ offense is undoubtedly going to take a bit of a hit in terms of production and versatility not having a talent like Henry on the field – especially given his replacements.

Which means that Rivers will likely rely more on his wide receivers, and even more on running back Melvin Gordon, given that their offense is going to be a little bit less than three-dimensional, and a bit less explosive.