Fansided

Top 20 NFL breakout candidates in 2017

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) turns up field after making a catch before the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) turns up field after making a catch before the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
17

Hunter Henry

Tight End, Los Angeles Chargers

Antonio Gates is certainly Canton bound from his great career with the San Diego Chargers. Now that the Chargers play in Los Angeles, it might be time for a change of guard at the tight end position for the Chargers organization.

The Chargers used the No. 35 overall pick on Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Hunter Henry in the 2016 NFL Draft. He quietly had a strong rookie season playing for a befuddled Chargers franchise. Henry had 36 catches for 478 yards and eight touchdowns.

Would Los Angeles use two tight end sets in 2017? It should consider the notion. Ken Whisenhunt is a strong offensive coordinator and creator of a passing game plan. However, new head coach Anthony Lynn has a background as a running backs coach and protection schemes.

He’ll want Whisenhunt to run the football more than the Chargers did last year. Playing Gates and Henry simultaneously could be an interesting way for the Chargers to move the chains vertically while giving the look of a power running game.

Even if two tight end sets aren’t a mainstay in the Chargers passing game, quarterback Philip Rivers sure does love throwing the football to tight ends. He targeted Gates a ton in San Diego. Maybe he can build a great rapport with Henry in Los Angeles before he retires as a Hall of Fame level player?

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