4 undrafted free agents who could make Chargers 53-man roster

Who will be the diamond in the rough player for the Los Angeles Chargers this season?

The Chargers added six new members throughout the course of the weekend in the 2020 NFL draft. Following the event itself, they notched an additional 19 undrafted free agents who will all be fighting for a roster spot.

Los Angeles has had a great amount of success on bringing in hidden gems that went undrafted, including safety Adrian Phillips, tight end Antonio Gates and running back Austin Ekeler.

With that, here are four that could see their names on the 53-man roster when the 2020 season rolls around.

Joe Gaziano – DE – Northwestern

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Every year, there’s always a defensive end that lights it up during training camp and preseason and makes the 53-man roster. That should be no different this year, especially because the future remains to be seen with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram since their contracts are up after the 2020 season.

At 6-foot-4 and 281 pounds, Gaziano constantly makes his presence known at rushing the passer and defending the run.

He shows the ability to convert speed to power in the pass game. He has some heavy hands in the run game, setting a firm edge while fighting pressure. With a plus initial first step and big boy power, Gaziano is able to overwhelm offensive linemen and put them on their backs at times.

Gaziano also has some alignment versatility, possessing the profile to work inside, too. In 52 games at Northwestern, he recorded 153 tackles, including 48.5 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, 15 passes defensed and eight forced fumbles.

Chargers never inquired into trading for OT Trent Williams

The Los Angeles Chargers are content with the in-house options.

Offensive tackle Trent Williams found his new home on Saturday after being shipped from the Redskins to the 49ers in exchange for third and fifth-round selections.

The Chargers had been mentioned as a potential destination for the 31-year old tackle, but it appears that they never had interest in him after all.

According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, general manager Tom Telesco, Los Angeles never inquired into Williams.

After the compensation was announced for Williams, the majority of the fanbase was scratching their heads knowing that it ultimately didn’t cost San Francisco that much to acquire the seven-time Pro Bowler.

Williams was wanted by most because they felt like he would fill a position that still has a question mark over it. Telesco reiterated that he is comfortable with the in-house options after L.A. didn’t draft a single offensive lineman.

If the Chargers don’t address the position in free agency, they will go into the season with a competition between Trey Pipkins, Sam Tevi, Storm Norton and possibly Forrest Lamp for the starting left tackle job.

Remaining needs for the Chargers after 2020 NFL Draft

There are four positions that the Los Angeles Chargers could still look to address in free agency.

The 2020 NFL Draft is history.

In the draft, the Chargers addressed the quarterback, linebacker, running back, wide receiver and safety position, all of which were needs prior to the event.

However, Los Angeles still has remaining needs that they will have to consider filling prior to the 2020 season in order to avoid having holes on the roster.

Here are some of Bolts’ most glaring needs that they will have to figure out the rest of the offseason:

Left tackle

Finding a tackle to offer competition with Trey Pipkins on the left side was thought to be a priority for the Chargers going into the draft. But they came away empty-handed.

General manager Tom Telesco said there was an offensive lineman that was available at one of their draft picks but they went in a different direction. Telesco didn’t specify which round, but there was one on their radar.

Going into the season, Pipkins, Storm Norton, Sam Tevi and possibly Forrest Lamp are projected to compete for the starting job. But they could benefit from a veteran’s presence to protect Tyrod Taylor’s blindside, while giving Pipkins another year to develop.


Outside cornerback

Opposite of Casey Hayward is Michael Davis, who is projected to go into the season as the starter. However, Davis had his ups and downs last season, and struggled to stay on the field towards the end of the season due to an injury and suspension.

The other option is Brandon Facyson, who showed some promise as a starter, but he still has limited experience in that role. If the Chargers want to solidify an already talented secondary, they should look to add a proven player at the position, and it just so happens that there are a few remaining on the market.


Nose tackle depth

I thought the Chargers were going to use one of their Day 3 selections on a nose tackle like Leki Fotu or Benito Jones to backup Linval Joseph, but they didn’t address the position at all. Am I surprised? Not at all.

The reason being is because I could see Los Angeles re-signing Damion Square or Sylvester Williams, both of whom played a significant role last season in the middle of the defensive line. Or, there’s the possibility of them banking on former seventh-round selection Cortez Broughton’s development.


Interior offensive line depth

There are a few questions that have yet to be answered with the interior part of the offensive line.

Will Mike Pouncey be able to play this season? Can Dan Feeney be counted on as the starter moving forward? Is Forrest Lamp going to stay at guard or make the switch over to tackle?

With all of these questions in mind, it only leads to the desire to add more pieces, especially in case of injuries. Coach Anthony Lynn did say Trent Scott could kick inside from tackle, similar to what they did with Michael Schofield, which would help with some of possible holes.

Chargers announce rookie jersey numbers for 2020 season

The Los Angeles Chargers announced the jersey numbers for their 2020 draft class.

The Chargers announced the jersey numbers for their 2020 rookie class on Sunday.

  • QB Justin Herbert – 10
  • LB Kenneth Murray – 56
  • RB Joshua Kelley – 27
  • WR Joe Reed – 12
  • S Alohi Gilman – 32
  • WR K.J. Hill – 84

One takeaway from the announcement of the jersey numbers is that Gilman will wear No. 32, which was previously worn by safety Nasir Adderley. This upcoming season Adderley will wear No. 24.

Jerseys for Herbert and Murray are now available for purchase.

POLL: Who was your favorite pick of the Chargers 2020 draft class?

K.J. Hill was our favorite selection made by the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers made six selections in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Four were spent on the offensive side of the ball, while the other two were on the defensive side of the ball.

Another look at Los Angeles’ haul

Round 1 – Justin Herbert, QB

Round 1 – Kenneth Murray, LB

Round 4 – Joshua Kelley, RB

Round 5 – Joe Reed, WR

Round 6 – Alohi Gilman, S

Round 7 – K.J. Hill

We felt like L.A. brought in players that could make an impact right away as well as others that will be key pieces down the road.

Wide receiver K.J. Hill was our favorite because the Chargers managed to get excellent value, and we believe that he is going to be able to produce in a similar fashion as Keenan Allen because of his route-running ability.

We want to hear who your guy’s favorite selection was. Vote in the poll below to let your opinion known.

[polldaddy poll=10543448]

Analysts grade Chargers performance in 2020 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers’ haul received mixed reviews.

The 2020 NFL Draft is officially in the books.

The Chargers made the offensive side of the ball the focal point, while adding a plug-and-play linebacker and safety who should be a special teams ace in Year 1.

How did national writers and analysts feel about Los Angeles’ haul?

A look at the experts’ ratings of the all the Chargers’ selection:

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar: C

“The extent to which you’re on board with the Chargers’ draft strategy hands on whether you’re on board with Justin Herbert as an NFL prospect. I suspected that Herbert would go higher than his game tape would inspire, because he’s a big guy with a big arm, and for some teams, that’s all that’s required. The Chargers now have to deal with Herbert’s remedial field reads, his inaccuracy to the boundary, and his wonkiness when throwing on the run. I didn’t have a first-round grade on Herbert, but one understands which attributes move the needle when it comes to quarterbacks. Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray is a great pick at 23rd overall, and the Chargers got a real steal in seventh-round receiver K.J. Hill out of Ohio State, but this all rests on the decision to take Herbert sixth overall.”

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling: A

“You win the NFL draft by pairing need and value at every pick, and few teams did that as well as the Chargers did this weekend. It started with Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert at No. 6 overall, and continued when the Bolts made a bold move back into the first round for Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray.

After sitting out the second round, the Chargers made up for lost time with strong value picks the rest of the way. UCLA running back Joshua Kelly gives them solid depth in the backfield, while Virginia’s Joe Reed brings versatility and big-play ability to any spot on offense, as well as the return game.

Notre Dame safety Alohi Gilman and Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill had no business still being on the board in the sixth and seventh rounds, respectively, but the Chargers took full advantage. This is a strong class for a team not far removed from the playoffs.”

NFL Media’s Chad Reuter: A

“The Chargers found leaders on offense (Herbert) and defense (Murray) in the first round, which should certainly please Bolts fans. Kelley’s Senior Bowl performance made him an early fourth-round pick. Not because of his talent, but because he showed that his full explosiveness was back after playing through injury as a senior. Reed is known for his return work, and rightly so. But I think he’ll be a nice No. 3 receiver as well. Gilman’s a solid player who should become a good special teams contributor. Hill was such a strong performer for the Buckeyes, but lacks great athleticism; he could also serve as a solid No. 3 for L.A. It will be interesting to see how the Chargers further improve their offensive line after not investing a single pick up front.”

New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy: B

“Herbert is the new face of a franchise trying to build a fan base. The Chargers gave up their second- and third-rounders to move up for Murray at No. 23. Worth it.”

SB Nation’s Dan Kadar: B-

“What you think of the Chargers’ draft begins and ends with what you think about quarterback Justin Herbert. Instead of trading up to take Tua Tagovailoa, the Chargers held at No. 6 and got Herbert. He’ll be relied upon to replace Philip Rivers and be the face of the franchise. No pressure.

The Chargers jumped back into the first round for linebacker Kenneth Murray at No. 23 overall. After releasing Thomas Davis, getting a quality linebacker was a must for the Chargers. Murray has range and power, so he should be an asset against the run. He only adds to a loaded Los Angeles defense.

The major flaw in this class is the lack of an offensive tackle. Signing Bryan Bulaga this offseason was fine. But Sam Tevi struggled last season on the right side.”

Rotoworld’s Hayden Winks: D

“I’m conflicted with the Herbert pick. On one hand, he plays the most valuable position and has high-level tools including mobility, but he also lacks the accuracy and decision-making of the top quarterback prospects. He profiles as an average starter in my opinion — getting to play with all of the Chargers’ weapons raises his ceiling and floor — but I have to ding the pick because they were in striking distance of drafting Tua Tagovailoa, who by every measure is in a tier above Herbert. Getting Tua with the third pick was a better alternative… The Chargers traded their starting left tackle for a guard this offseason, and then drafted a quarterback at No. 6 who plays much better in a clean pocket than while under pressure. When they traded up, I thought it was going to be for an offensive tackle (Ezra Cleveland), but they instead draft a linebacker when the defense is already loaded with talent. Murray is going to be a quality starter. He’s just not a true difference maker and didn’t fill the biggest need on the roster (LT), which went completely unaddressed the entire draft… Kelley will operate as the 1b to Austin Ekeler in the Chargers’ never-ending committee backfield. He was a productive runner at UCLA (1,000+ yards twice) and has enough speed (4.49 forty) to win that 5-12 touch role as a rookie. He’s a late-round handcuff and could even be a goal-line vulture.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper: B

Coach Anthony Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco have said all the right things about the quarterback position since they decided to part ways with Philip Rivers, who started 224 consecutive games for the Chargers from 2006 through 2019. They were happy with Tyrod Taylor, and Taylor was the front-runner to be the 2020 starter. No one really was quite sure if they would take a quarterback at No. 6. They needed an offensive tackle, but would they really pass on Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa there?

The answer turned out to be no, and the 6-foot-6 Herbert can now become the face of the franchise, though it might not be immediately. After an inconsistent 2019 season, Herbert nailed the pre-draft process, and there were several teams that had him rated above Tagovailoa. He’s a big-time physical talent who could flourish in an L.A. offense that already has solid weapons. I’m a fan of what he can do when he gets coached up, and so I like this pick for the long term.

The Chargers also chose to move up in the first round, trading away both of their Day 2 picks to get Kenneth Murray (23), a run-and-hit middle linebacker who should slot right in as the starter. They also added help at running back on Day 3, taking Joshua Kelley (112), who could play the Melvin Gordon role next to Austin Ekeler, who is likely to get more snaps this season. I had down safety Alohi Gilman (186) as more likely to be a special-teams contributor, but he could play in sub packages. K.J. Hill (220) is a dart throw on a potential slot target.

For a team that went 5-11, the Chargers acted like a team that was only two players away from a title on Thursday, but I really like both of their first-rounders. L.A. has some talent on both sides of the ball, and it could challenge in the AFC wild-card race in 2020. There’s still a hole at left tackle, but maybe the Chargers can find a veteran free agent to plug in there for a year.

4 takeaways from Chargers’ 2020 NFL Draft

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down his thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers’ haul from the 2020 NFL Draft.

The 2020 NFL Draft is officially history.

Here are four takeaways from the Chargers’ draft class:

Life after Philip Rivers

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A new era begins for the Chargers. After 16 years with Philip Rivers under center, Justin Herbert takes the reins. Herbert was selected with the team’s first-round pick (No. 6 overall)

With Tyrod Taylor on the roster, I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see Herbert take a single snap at all this upcoming season – barring any injuries. Using 2020 as a redshirt year would be beneficial for Herbert.

Even though Herbert possesses the talent to become a successful NFL quarterback, there are still some deficiencies in his game that need improvement, primarily his processor and eye discipline.

Overall, Los Angeles knew that they were in a prime position to land one of the top signal-callers and they didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on the one that the scouting department and team personnel has loved for years.

Chargers sign 19 undrafted free agents after 2020 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers signed 19 undrafted free agents after the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Chargers wasted little time in filling out their roster after their haul in the 2020 NFL draft, signing 19 undrafted free agents.

Below are the members that Los Angeles signed Saturday night.

Asmar Bilal – LB – Notre Dame

Darius Bradwell – RB – Tulane

John Brannon – CB – Western Carolina

Cole Christiansen – LB – Army

Jeff Cotton – WR – Idaho

Joshua Dunlop – G – Texas—San Antonio

Breiden Fehoko – NT – Louisiana State

Romeo Finley – LB – Miami

Joe Gaziano – DE – Northwestern

Nate Gilliam – G – Wake Forest

Bobby Holly – FB – Louisiana Tech

Jesse Lemonier – DE – Liberty

Kevin McGill – CB – Eastern Michigan

Gabe Nabers – FB – Florida State

Jared Rice – TE – Fresno State

Ryan Roberts – T – Florida State

Dalton Schoen – WR – Kansas State

T.J. Smith – DT – Arkansas

Donte Vaughn – CB – Notre Dame

WATCH: Chargers new WR K.J. Hill’s route-running clinic

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Keenan Allen 2.0 in the seventh-round.

The Chargers’ annual draft steal came in the seventh-round with the selection of former Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill.

Hill, the 5-foot-11 and 196 pound wideout isn’t going to win with speed or physicality to box out defenders, but he will put them on skates with crisp route-running.

That was a large part of him setting Ohio State’s record in receptions (201). Getting open and catching everything thrown his way is the name of his game.

You know who else has a knack for that on the Chargers? Keenan Allen.

Hill said he modeled his game after Allen. He used to watch Allen tape while he was in college. “I’m a route technician,” Hill said.

To get an idea of what Hill brings to Los Angeles, below are his highlights from this past season:

Tracking the Chargers’ 2020 undrafted free agent signings

Keeping up with who the Los Angeles Chargers signed from the undrafted free agency pool.

The 2020 NFL draft has wrapped up and teams will now begin filling their 90-man offseason rosters. After selecting six players in the draft, the Chargers will now turn their attention to signing undrafted free agents.

While there’s no guarantee that any of this year’s UDFAs will turn into big contributors, Los Angeles has had a great track record of finding hidden gems throughout the past few years.

We’re going to be tracking all of the team’s college free agent signings here. Refresh this page because the list of players will be updated every time we learn of a new signing.

Here is a list of the UDFA’s they have signed thus far: