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Antonio Gates has consistently been one of the best tight ends in the NFL for over a decade.
However with Gates sitting at 36 years of age, the San Diego Chargers felt as if they need to go out and get a pass-catcher for the future.
San Diego drafted Arkansas TE Hunter Henry in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft. Based upon the early returns, it appears as if the Chargers picked very wisely:
Guess who leads all NFL tight ends with 7 TDs … @Hunter_Henry84 is a BEAST! ⚡️⚡️⚡️#ProHogs pic.twitter.com/qcrgpf0cFg
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) December 18, 2016
Henry caught a touchdown pass during Sunday’s game versus the Oakland Raiders. It gave Henry seven scores on the year — which is the most for any tight end in the league.
Though only a rookie, the former Mackey Award winner has essentially split the snaps with Gates at the position. Gates has 10 more catches — though Henry is a better threat to stretch the field. He has 10 more receiving yards overall.
Philip Rivers finds Hunter Henry as the #Chargers retake the lead! #SDvsOAK pic.twitter.com/BmMUULqkUL
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) December 18, 2016
With Gates at the tail-end of his career, it appears as if San Diego has its next big-time tight end for the foreseeable future.
