Chargers’ ‘most exciting’ undrafted free agent

Could there be an offensive line who makes some noise in training camp and preseason?

The Chargers inked 19 undrafted free agents to a deal following the draft. Based on the consensus, their UDFA class doesn’t stack up that well to the other teams in the NFL. But that doesn’t mean that there won’t be any players that make the 53-man roster.

I took a crack at predicting four UDFAs that could make the roster. However, there could be a player that included in my list who might make the team when all is said and done.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed the “most exciting” undrafted free agents for each team. For the Chargers, he slots former Florida State offensive tackle Ryan Roberts.

Here is what Knox had to say:

Whether the Los Angeles Chargers roll with journeyman Tyrod Taylor or rookie Justin Herbert at quarterback, they’ll need to sort out their offensive line.

Trading away Russell Okung to acquire Trai Turner left L.A. with a void at left tackle. Free-agent addition Bryan Bulaga may kick over to the left side to fill it—he played both tackle positions in college—but that would then leave things uncertain on the right side.

Right tackle Sam Tevi was responsible for four penalties and eight sacks in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus.

Former Florida State tackle Ryan Roberts should be able to add much-needed camp competition to the tackle position. A transfer from Northern Illinois, Roberts immediately entrenched himself as a starter for the Seminoles in 2019.

While Roberts may not beat out the likes of Tevi and Trey Pipkins III immediately, he adds an exciting long-term project to the mix.

Roberts spent one season at Florida State after transferring from Northern Illinois. He ended up starting 12 games at right tackle and then one game at left tackle in 2019.

Roberts helped clear the way for Cam Akers to become the third running back in program history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons. For his efforts, he was named Academic All-ACC.

The Chargers didn’t draft an offensive tackle, so they could afford to have Roberts on the roster for depth. Roberts would be in the perfect situation if he was to make the roster, as he would be playing for James Campen, one of the best offensive line coaches, to aide in his development.

Where Chargers undrafted free agent class ranks among rest of NFL

The consensus wasn’t too high on the undrafted free agents that the Los Angeles Chargers signed.

The NFL draft is behind us, and all of the talks have been primarily surrounding around the six selections made by general manager Tom Telesco. But left out have been the undrafted free agents that he signed.

The Chargers inked 19 undrafted free agents to a contract after the draft. How does the haul stack up to the rest of the league?

The Athletic’s Arif Hasan put together a consensus draft board before the event, and was able to string together the top undrafted free agent classes by team as well as the top undrafted free agents.

Los Angeles ranked No. 23 out of the 32 teams in the league. They didn’t sign a player that was part of the top-25 players remaining on the board after the draft.

Yahoo Sport’s Thor Nystrom put out his rankings, as well. For his grading scale, he has the Bolts ranked No. 27.

The Chargers were light on defensive line depth coming out of the draft, so it’s not a surprise they targeted that in the UDFA free-for-all. I’d bet that at least one of Joe Gaziano or Brandon Fehoko make the team. Asmar Bilal and Jesse Lemonier are two other guys to keep an eye on in camp.

I recently put out an article that lists the four undrafted free agents that I believe will make the 53-man roster.

The Chargers have had a good amount of success finding diamond in the rough players, so if some of the players that I mention don’t make it, there is still bound to be a couple that do after their showings in training camp and preseason action.

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