The Athletic’s Daniel Popper said he sees Chargers TE Charlie Kolar as “TE1 because of his complete skill set.”

28 May 2026

The Chargers signed Kolar and David Njoku in the offseason, adding them to a tight end room containing Oronde Gadsden. Popper mentions Njoku and Gadsden both “impact the game more as receivers than blockers.” Kolar is the best run blocker among the trio with pass-catching upside, finishing last season with 10 receptions for 142 yards behind Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews with the Ravens. All three are capable pass-catchers and allows the Chargers to use three-tight-end sets, something Popper said the team was testing out in practice Wednesday. Njoku and Gadsden will likely have more fantasy relevancy as pass-catchers but Popper believes Kolar’s “complete skill set” can make him the TE1 in Mike McDaniel’s offense.