The Los Angeles Chargers have wrapped one season-long grind, but another one is just getting underway. Between now and the end of April, the Chargers will need to have the majority of their roster figured out.
One position in particular that will need to be addressed is the Tight End position. With 3 tight ends set to become free agents, Will Dissly is the only remaining one under contract.
In the case of UCLA Bruins tight end Moliki Matavao, the Los Angeles Chargers have reached out to the talented player multiple times. According to Matavao, the Chargers returned to get a second look at him.
Matavao talked about this and more with LAFB for a lengthy exclusive chat at the Senior Bowl this week.
Los Angeles Chargers Interested In UCLA Bruins Tight End Moliki Matavao
Ian: Have the Los Angeles Rams or the Los Angeles Chargers reached out to you?
Matavao: I had a couple of interviews with both of them.
Ian: Do you have a goal for how many touchdowns you want to score in your rookie season? And if so, how do you get there?
Matavao: Yeah. I don’t, who wouldn’t want to score in a rookie year? 4 or 5 would be pretty cool. But yeah, to get there just continue working. Never getting complacent. Gotta go out there, you know, just work hard, you know, nothing’s ever given. And now it’s gonna go out there earn it.
Ian: What NFL players do you look up to? And is there one you compare your game to?
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Matavao: I’m like a Mark Andrews, George Kittle mix. Mark Andrews in the passing game is awesome. You know how he runs his routes? Similar in stature to me. And then also George Kittle and how he’s vicious in the run game and, when he gets the ball in his hands, he’s a violent runner.
Ian: What superhero or movie or TV character do you believe most closely resembles your game and kind of your personality?
Matavao: The Hulk.
Perhaps one of the key selling points of any prospect is the ability to consistently improve. In the case of Moliki Matavao, this might be his biggest pitch.
The UCLA tight end spent two years at UCLA, showcasing improvement in production each year.
According to Sports Reference, Matavao kicked off his career with the Oregon Ducks as a freshman earning nine receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. In 2022, his second season, he logged ten catches for 134 yards and a touchdown.
He then transferred south to UCLA, where he continued to improve. With the Bruins, Matavao logged 283 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the team. Then, his big break came when he earned 41 catches for 506 yards and two touchdowns.
So, a consistent improvement with the ability to take a big leap years down the line is an enticing proposition. With both the Rams and Los Angeles Chargers kicking the tires multiple times, consider both teams enticed.
When it comes to other local prospects, Matavao isn’t the only UCLA and USC prospect at the Senior Bowl.
Running back Jo’quavious Marks, cornerback Jaylin Smith, inside offensive lineman Jonah Monheim, and edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo are also listed on the official rosters for the game.
The Los Angeles Chargers will almost certainly take a tight end in this year’s draft. If they are unable to get one of the top prospects in the first round (Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland), Matavao would be a tremendous consolation.