It seems like every draft expert is penciling in Michigan tight end Colston Loveland for the Los Angeles Chargers. And why not? It is all too obvious. Will Dissly’s playoff struggles prove the team desperately needs a true pass-catching tight end and guess who coached and recruited Loveland…Yeah. We get it.
But outside of Brock Bowers, drafting a tight end in the first round has proved to be a bad decision. Add that to the fact that head coach Jim Harbaugh drafted just one tight end in his time with the 49ers. Within his four seasons, he had forty picks.
Elijah Arroyo A Better Option At TE For Los Angeles Chargers

But there is a candidate that has been on the rise over the last few months and now skyrocketing after his performance and (particularly his weigh-in) at the Senior Bowl; Miami Hurricanes Elijah Arroyo.
Arroyo arrived at Senior Bowl week with a reputation as one of the 2025 draft class’s most underrated prospects, and his performance in Mobile has validated that assessment. Through the first two days of practice, Arroyo has distinguished himself as the premier tight end and among the most impressive overall players on the field. While it’s anticipated that Tyler Warren and Loveland will be the first two tight ends selected, the competition for the TE3 spot is fierce, and Arroyo is making a strong case for himself.
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Arroyo’s journey to this point has been marked by both promise and adversity. A highly touted four-star recruit in the class of 2021, his first three seasons at Miami were hampered by limited playing time and significant injuries. He saw minimal action as a freshman and missed the majority of both the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to knee injuries. Finally healthy in 2024, Arroyo showcased his potential, emerging as a prominent deep-threat tight end. He recorded 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make an impact when given the opportunity.
Arroyo’s physical attributes further enhance his appeal. Measuring in at 6’4 4/4″ and 251 pounds, with 33 1/8-inch arms, his size and length are ideal for a receiving tight end. These measurements, combined with his demonstrated receiving prowess, solidify his standing as a top prospect in the upcoming draft.