Chargers TE Ladarius Green went from 39 offensive snaps in 2012 to 450 in 2013. The plan is for that number to rise again in 2014.
New tight ends coach Pete Metzelaars helped mentor Green in blocking this offseason. The 6-foot-7 coach made a 16-year career from specializing in the area. His work with Green, a willing but imperfect blocker with a thin frame, should help keep the 24-year-old on the field. His route running, though, seems most improved from last season. Green is moving better in and out of his breaks.
Last year, Antonio Gates played 1,083 snaps on offense. The disparity between him and Green likely will narrow this season, helping keep Gates fresh.
Gates said that Green is "a big part of what we do." Green played 33% of snaps on the season, but played 40%+ in the final six games, indicating that the team likes what he brings to the table. He's still playing behind Gates, so it's surprising to see him going ahead of Gates in early fantasy drafts. He does have far more upside, but it's hard to see him posting TE1 numbers without an injury to Gates.
