Tag: Ryan Roberts

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.