Tight end Antonio Gates, who has led the Chargers in receptions eight of the past 10 seasons, was absent all offseason tending to a serious family issue. In his absence, Ladarius Green was given enhanced preparation for his third NFL season, which is expected to see him get the ball more than ever. There are plays Green makes, with his height, hands and speed, no one else on the roster can make. That’s not to say we didn’t see him running Gates’ routes a few times and not making plays Gates would have made. They’re different players, and Green should not have the pressure of a comparison. But, especially as he should increasingly be on the field at the same time as Gates, look for this kid to at least double last year’s 17 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns.
Green has tremendous upside as a player, but his fantasy upside is capped in the short term by the presence of Gates. Green won't see starter's snaps in 2014 as long as Gates is healthy.
