A lot of Fantasy owners are excited for Chargers tight end Ladarius Green this season, and rightfully so. He flashed plenty of potential in his second year in 2013.
But just how excited should you be?
Green only had 17 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns last year. He had more than five targets in a game just once and only two games with double digits in Fantasy points. And Antonio Gates, while older and slower entering his 12th season and 34 when the season starts, is still a significant factor.
Green, however, is the upside play, especially after what Chargers coach Mike McCoy told me at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday. McCoy said he regrets not getting Green more involved earlier in the season.
"What happened with him last year he made the most of his opportunities," McCoy said. "Early in the year, they were limited. As time went along, and as an offense, you always evolve to what your players do best. Being together for the first time, there were some things we were still learning about our team. It takes time. And Ladarius made the most of his opportunities. When he was in at the right time, he was continuing to make plays. You wish you would have done that a little earlier."
I'm not ready to draft Green as my No. 1 tight end, but if I miss on a Top 10 option then I'd gamble on pairing Green with either another young option like Zach Ertz or a capable, yet under-performing, veteran like Martellus Bennett.
If Green lives up to the hype then you have your starting tight end. And if he falters you can cut him. But he is worth the risk -- and worth carrying two tight ends -- because he will be a significant part of San Diego's offense this season, even with Gates around.