Any Charger fan knows full well about the orginization’s rich history with undrafted free agents. In fact last year was the very first season in what seemed like forever that a undrafted free agent didn’t make the roster. This season however will provide these lesser prospects a preseason to showcase what they can do. With a whole new coaching staff I would bet money that he would want to make this roster “his”. Therefore making it more than likely at least one makes the roster. The question remain though, which ones have the best shot at sticking around. I’ve narrowed it down to 4 who have a real shot and probably the best shot to make the roster
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Jared Goldwire DT Louisville:
I had defensive tackle ranked higher as a position of need more than other’s pre draft. While they didn’t spend a draft pick on one they managed to sign one of the better quality tackles left. The Chargers have both Linval Joseph and Justin Jones on the last year’s of their contracts and Jerry Tillery who has yet to live up to expectations. The problem is that behind those guys there isn’t a whole lot other than former undrafted free agents and 7th round picks. This should make the competition more of an even playing field. Goldwire is a guy who managed to get better each and ever season while at Louisville. He stands at a massive 6’6″ 305 pounds. In his final season at Louisville he had 35 tackles , 5 for a loss, and 2 sacks. While he might not be the best pass rusher, he presents a skill set that the team needs up front…run stopping. I see him beating out Cortez Broughton and having a close competition with Breiden Fehoko.
Amen Ogbongbemiga LB Oklahoma State:
Linebacker happens to be another position that could use some more depth. After Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill the talent falls off a cliff. The team does have Kyzir still but he has been not only underwhelming but he also happens to be on the last year of his contract. Ogbongbemiga has a lot nore talent than what you would expect out of a undrafted prospect. In fact he was selected in the 1st round of the Canadian football league. In 2019 & 2020 he was named to the 2nd team all Big-12. 2019 was the better of the two season’s where he finished that season with 100 tackles, 15.5 for a loss, and 5 sacks. He is a very speedy sideline to sideline guy who is a better run stuffer than in coverage. Considering Kyzir is the best back up the team has, the team will he patient with the development of coverage skills.
Darius Harper OT Cincinnati:
The Chargers number 1 priority this offseason has been the offensive line. Considering this along with the fact that Harper earned all ACC honorable mention in 2020, Harper will be given every opportunity to show what he can do. Standing at 6’7″ 308 pounds, Harper will likley need to beat out Storm Norton for the job. I would bet that even if Harper dosnt make the final roster he will at the very least make the practice squad. He also played on the basketball team at Cincinnati so he has more than enough athletic ability to pull this off.
Alex Kessman K Pitt:
Last year missed field goals cost the team 2 game’s last year. Bringing in some legit competition for Badgley will he a good thing. However, the team should be absolutely sure of Kessman if they do indeed make a change. The last time they gave up on a kicker too soon was Lambo and he went on to become one of the most reliable kickers in the league for Jacksonville. Make no mistake about it though, thus will he a real competition. Kessman set the school record for most 50+ yard field goals made with 12. He was 12-18 from that range (66.7%) which is now a NCAA from that range. This includes a 58 yarder against Boston College. Although his overall accuracy could be better as his career at Pitt he finished 69-96 including 23-29 in 2020. It’s also of note that he kicked 44 touchbacks in 2020 on kick-offs.
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