Chargers draft TE Tre’ McKitty with No. 97 pick

The Los Angeles Chargers continued rebuilding their tight end position group in the 2021 NFL Draft. The team picked former Florida State Seminoles and Georgia Bulldogs pass catcher Tre’ McKitty with the No. 97 pick overall. McKitty could develop into a solid tight end in the NFL but at least for now, he is providing depth to the position behind Jared Cook.

McKitty transferred to Georgia after three seasons at Florida State but didn’t play much in his final year in college. He played in just four games with a knee injury in 2020 and caught six passes for 108 yards with a touchdown. His best season came in 2018 with 26 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns, and he had similar stats in 2019.

Scouting Report

McKitty has solid athleticism for the tight end position, but he will need to play faster at the next level. McKitty does not appear to be as ready for the NFL as other tight ends in this class, so this will be an important offseason for him to prove his worth on the roster. At least early on, the Chargers could use his speed in the special teams game as he continues to develop as a tight end.

Fantasy football impact

Rookie

The Chargers signed Jared Cook to replace the departed Hunter Henry and Cook is coming off a solid two-year run in New Orleans during which he scored 16 touchdowns. McKitty seems unlikely to get past Cook on the depth chart, which limits his fantasy value this first year.

Long-term

He’s got the physical tools to be a solid tight end in the NFL, but the lack of production in college is concerning. It’s possible he turns it all around, but it’s hard to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s worth a late flier in dynasty drafts, but look elsewhere for tight end talent.