How Bolts’ tight end space can improve rushing attack

“It’s a great locker room. Keeping guys like Stone and Parham and adding Will and Hayden, they’re two of the best in the league. They’re great leaders, teammates and tight ends. Having guys like that in the locker room, it only helps because you know you’re going to go to the game and you can count on them. They’re smart, athletic and they’re playmakers. They can do anything you ask of a tight end.” – Justin Herbert on the tight end locker room.

Dissly fits exactly the profile of who the Chargers were targeting when free agency began: big and physical.

The 6-foot-4 tight end, who began his career in Washington as a defensive lineman, is a major force in the running game.

According to Pro Football Focus, Dissly had a 77.2 run blocking grade in 2023, which ranked second among tight ends with at least 20% of snaps in 2023. He was also second in that group in pass blocking with an 83.5 grade.

It’s safe to say that the tight end isn’t afraid of contact and doesn’t hesitate to push certain people aside.

“I played defense in Washington for two years and then moved to tight end,” Dissly said. “I think if you were writing your article, you’d say, ‘Will’s not afraid of contact,’ because I played defense.

“I’m looking to hit people,” Dissly added. “That’s part of the game, isn’t it?”

Even throughout the offseason where he hasn’t been at full strength, Dissly has shown what he’s capable of in terms of blocking.

But don’t underestimate what he can do catching the ball too.

“It’s impressive to watch him move. But he’s not just a run blocker,” Herbert said of Dissly. “He’s also capable of catching the ball.

“Having a guy who opens up opportunities on offense, whether it’s running or having the illusion of running with the ball or throwing the ball, you have a tight end on the field that they have to respect,” Herbert added. “Having four guys like that is a quarterback’s best friend.”

Dissly could bring some punch to the Bolts’ tight end room and should be an important piece at tight end in multiple ways.

And he is ready to contribute in whatever way he is needed in 2024.

“I’ve never been afraid to work hard,” Dissly said. “If I’m asked to go put a hat on someone, I’ll do it, but if I’m asked to run a sewing route, I’ll do it and I’ll do it the best I can.”

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what I do,” Dissly added. “As long as we’re winning games, that’s what I’m here for.”