- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 437,953
- Reaction score
- 44
Los Angeles made nine selections in the NFL draft, but their final choice of Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges didn't conclude Saturday's events. The Chargers came to terms with 19 undrafted free agents after the conclusion of the draft, including five more defensive backs.
Here's a quick look at each of the newest members of the Chargers.
Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei
Once the no. 10 recruit in the country, Uiagalelei never quite developed into the world-beating player many expected him to be when he took over for Trevor Lawrence as the starter at Clemson. After stops at Oregon State in 2023 and Florida State in 2024, the 6'4" Uiagalelei will join a Chargers depth chart that already has Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, and Trey Lance firmly entrenched on the roster. Uiagalelei will be competing for a practice squad spot, but with an extra preseason game for LA because of their inclusion in the Hall of Fame game, he should have an opportunity to see real preseason snaps.
South Carolina RB Raheim Sanders
Most analysts thought that Sanders was a draftable player after the season he had at South Carolina, even if he's lost some shine since breaking onto the scene as part of the 2022 Arkansas offense. Widely pigeonholed as a gap runner only, Sanders showed the ability to get to the outside and turn upfield on zone runs during his time at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January. The running back room is crowded in LA with first-rounder Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, 2024 sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal, and returner/short-yardage back Hassan Haskins, but based on pure talent alone, Sanders should be considered one of the favorites to make the 53 from LA's signings on Saturday.
Kansas WR Luke Grimm
The 5'11" Grimm has played 172 special teams snaps in his career, including a couple reps as a kick returner. He ran a 4.46 at the Big 12 conference pro day and was the third-best receiver in the Power 4 on short (0-9 yards) routes in 2024, according to PFF. A first down machine out of the slot, Grimm could push for a practice squad spot behind Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis on the inside.
Iowa State TE Stevo Klotz
Klotz is listed on the Chargers' signing page as a tight end, but the former Cyclone is mostly a fullback, where he earned second team All-Big 12 honors in 2023 and 2024. At almost 6'4" and 247 pounds, Klotz is molded in the Ben Mason archetype and will presumably compete with Scott Matlock for fullback reps.
Syracuse OT Savion Washington
A massive tackle at 6'8 1/2" and 340 pounds with arms exceeding 34", Washington is somewhat surprisingly a better pass than run blocker. He transferred to Syracuse for his final season after beginning his career at Colorado. The Chargers will likely look to extract some better results in the run game from his frame, which could make or break his ability to stick around as a potential option at swing tackle.
Purdue OT Corey Stewart
After a first team All-MAC showing in 2023, Stewart transferred up to Purdue, where he started 11 games at left tackle for the Boilermakers alongside Giants draft pick Marcus Mbow. Like Washington, Stewart graded out better in pass protection than in the run game, but he has experience at both tackle spots and could potentially move inside to guard. He needs more weight on his frame - he weighed in at 314 lbs at his pro day - but could be an interesting developmental player.
Mississippi State OT Jimmy Bell Jr.
Bell has never played a college football game after spending exactly one spring working out at offensive tackle with West Virginia before transferring to Mississippi State. Bell has instead been playing basketball this entire time, appearing in 35 games and making 16 starts for the Bulldogs at center. Standing 6'9" and 330 lbs, Bell will attempt to make the transition to football with the Chargers, who could use some depth at tackle.
Texas State G Nash Jones
At 6'4", 320 lbs, Jones has played both left tackle and left guard across his time at Incarnate Word and Texas State. A strong, densely-built run blocker, Jones will be a guard in the NFL because of his lack of foot quickness or hip fluidity to play tackle. But as his technique improves with NFL coaching, he could be a solid depth piece for a professional offensive line. He'll have a nice opportunity with the Chargers if he can last until next season, as four interior linemen are set to hit free agency for LA next offseason.
Maryland C Josh Kaltenberger
Tall for a center at 6'6", Kaltenberger was nonetheless one of the Big Ten's most effective pass blockers last season, allowing a conference-low six hurries in the passing game. A Purdue transfer who also has guard flexibility, Kaltenberger is a functional athlete who will allow the Chargers to focus on their starting competition week in and week out without worrying about whether there will be enough scout team reps to go around in the preseason.
Illinois DT TeRah Edwards
Edwards would've really preferred to not be in this draft class, as he applied for a waiver for an additional year of eligibility at Illinois in March. That waiver was denied on April 3, keeping Edwards in the draft and allowing the Chargers to scoop him up to add to their rotation on the defensive line. An extremely strong player who primarily lined up at nose tackle for the Illini, Edwards will now have to prove he's more valuable than veterans Naquan Jones and Christopher Hinton to find a way onto the squad in any capacity.
Virginia Tech DT Josh Fuga
Fuga nearly exclusively played in the B gap for the Hokies, with 1,414 snaps there versus 299 snaps anywhere else on the defensive line. A sixth-year player who was overshadowed by draft picks Aeneas Peebles and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Fuga has primarily been a role player in his college career. He totaled just four sacks and four pass deflections in his career, but he ran a quick 5.08 40-yard dash and otherwise tested well at 321 pounds.
Baylor EDGE Garmon Randolph
At 6'6", 265 pounds, Randolph is built more like a tight end than an edge rusher. Indeed, he was primarily known for his exploits on the offensive side of the ball as a high schooler before moving to defense full time when he committed to Baylor in 2019. With only 10 career sacks, Randolph is still learning how to harness his athleticism and keep his pad level low enough to be effective consistently. With an explosive first step and the ability to drop into coverage, however, he could be a nice developmental project for Mike Elston, edge coach Dylan Roney, and Jesse Minter.
Western Kentucky EDGE Kylan Guidry
Another receiver/edge combination player in high school, Guidry also played basketball and competed in the high jump and 400m in high school. He's much more of a fireball off the edge, standing at just 235 lbs with a 1.58 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash. He was second on the Hilltoppers with 7 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in 2024, but his ability to hold up as a run defender will likely be the deciding factor in how long he lasts at the NFL level.
Syracuse LB Marlowe Wax
Wax battled through injury to play in eight games this season, with his teammate Alijah Clark (who signed with the Cowboys on Saturday) telling the media that the linebacker played at 55% for the entire season at Syracuse's pro day. His best season was in 2023, when he had 110 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 4 sacks while forcing 4 fumbles. After a buzzy workout at his pro day, including a 4.62 40-yard dash, Wax will look to push Del'Shawn Phillips for a role on special teams or land on the practice squad.
Oregon CB Nikko Reed
An Oakland native who initially committed to Colorado before transferring to Oregon when Deion Sanders became the head coach in Boulder, Reed has bulked up from 155 pounds as a freshman to 183 at Oregon's pro day. Nonetheless, he doesn't quite have the ideal size to play at corner, and is more likely to move into the nickel as a pro. His recovery speed and play awareness have progressed every season and he's eager to fit the run, which could lend himself to a role in the Chargers secondary.
Iowa State CB Myles Purchase
Another potential contributor in the nickel, Purchase stands just 5'9" but is a much more filled out 203 pounds. Like Reed, Purchase is an eager run defender who bursts to the ball. He's not quite as quick as Reed, however, as he finished with a 4.51 40-yard dash at the Big 12 conference pro day. But after signing Notre Dame nickel Thomas Harper in undrafted free agency last season and losing him to waivers, it's clear the Chargers want to continue to take swings at the position by signing Reed and Purchase.
Bowling Green CB Jordan Oladokun
The younger brother of 2022 Steelers draftee and current Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun, the Bowling Green corner has had a winding college career. After initially committing to Iowa, Oladokun backed off his pledge and headed to Samford to join his brother, transferring to Bowling Green ahead of the 2022 season. One of just three FBS corners to not allow a touchdown in coverage in at least 400 snaps according to PFF, Oladokun is a highly productive player on the ball (9 career interceptions) whose athleticism is the main obstacle to NFL success.
Rutgers CB Eric Rogers
Rogers drew interest from the Chargers before the draft, as The Draft Network's Justin Melo reported on March 30 that Los Angeles had showed some interest in the Rutgers corner after his impressive pro day that included a 6.84 3-cone drill and 4.25 shuttle drill. A Northern Illinois transfer who clocked in at just 178 pounds, Rogers told Melo that he's more used to playing man coverage, which fits his skillset as a taller and longer corner.
Virginia Tech S Jaylen Jones
With 289 special teams snaps and a near-equal split between free safety, the slot, and reps in the box, Jones is a versatile defender who could push Saturday draft picks RJ Mickens and Trikweze Bridges for a spot on the 53-man roster as the fourth safety behind Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden. Those three rookies and veteran Tony Jefferson will be in competition for that spot, as well as 1-2 spots on the practice squad. Jones ran 4.52 at Virginia Tech's pro day, but will have to show solid ability both on defense and special teams to stick around.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers sign 19 undrafted free agents: Everything you need to know
Continue reading...
Here's a quick look at each of the newest members of the Chargers.
Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei
Once the no. 10 recruit in the country, Uiagalelei never quite developed into the world-beating player many expected him to be when he took over for Trevor Lawrence as the starter at Clemson. After stops at Oregon State in 2023 and Florida State in 2024, the 6'4" Uiagalelei will join a Chargers depth chart that already has Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, and Trey Lance firmly entrenched on the roster. Uiagalelei will be competing for a practice squad spot, but with an extra preseason game for LA because of their inclusion in the Hall of Fame game, he should have an opportunity to see real preseason snaps.
South Carolina RB Raheim Sanders
Most analysts thought that Sanders was a draftable player after the season he had at South Carolina, even if he's lost some shine since breaking onto the scene as part of the 2022 Arkansas offense. Widely pigeonholed as a gap runner only, Sanders showed the ability to get to the outside and turn upfield on zone runs during his time at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January. The running back room is crowded in LA with first-rounder Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, 2024 sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal, and returner/short-yardage back Hassan Haskins, but based on pure talent alone, Sanders should be considered one of the favorites to make the 53 from LA's signings on Saturday.
Kansas WR Luke Grimm
The 5'11" Grimm has played 172 special teams snaps in his career, including a couple reps as a kick returner. He ran a 4.46 at the Big 12 conference pro day and was the third-best receiver in the Power 4 on short (0-9 yards) routes in 2024, according to PFF. A first down machine out of the slot, Grimm could push for a practice squad spot behind Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis on the inside.
Iowa State TE Stevo Klotz
Klotz is listed on the Chargers' signing page as a tight end, but the former Cyclone is mostly a fullback, where he earned second team All-Big 12 honors in 2023 and 2024. At almost 6'4" and 247 pounds, Klotz is molded in the Ben Mason archetype and will presumably compete with Scott Matlock for fullback reps.
Syracuse OT Savion Washington
A massive tackle at 6'8 1/2" and 340 pounds with arms exceeding 34", Washington is somewhat surprisingly a better pass than run blocker. He transferred to Syracuse for his final season after beginning his career at Colorado. The Chargers will likely look to extract some better results in the run game from his frame, which could make or break his ability to stick around as a potential option at swing tackle.
Purdue OT Corey Stewart
After a first team All-MAC showing in 2023, Stewart transferred up to Purdue, where he started 11 games at left tackle for the Boilermakers alongside Giants draft pick Marcus Mbow. Like Washington, Stewart graded out better in pass protection than in the run game, but he has experience at both tackle spots and could potentially move inside to guard. He needs more weight on his frame - he weighed in at 314 lbs at his pro day - but could be an interesting developmental player.
Mississippi State OT Jimmy Bell Jr.
Bell has never played a college football game after spending exactly one spring working out at offensive tackle with West Virginia before transferring to Mississippi State. Bell has instead been playing basketball this entire time, appearing in 35 games and making 16 starts for the Bulldogs at center. Standing 6'9" and 330 lbs, Bell will attempt to make the transition to football with the Chargers, who could use some depth at tackle.
Texas State G Nash Jones
At 6'4", 320 lbs, Jones has played both left tackle and left guard across his time at Incarnate Word and Texas State. A strong, densely-built run blocker, Jones will be a guard in the NFL because of his lack of foot quickness or hip fluidity to play tackle. But as his technique improves with NFL coaching, he could be a solid depth piece for a professional offensive line. He'll have a nice opportunity with the Chargers if he can last until next season, as four interior linemen are set to hit free agency for LA next offseason.
Maryland C Josh Kaltenberger
Tall for a center at 6'6", Kaltenberger was nonetheless one of the Big Ten's most effective pass blockers last season, allowing a conference-low six hurries in the passing game. A Purdue transfer who also has guard flexibility, Kaltenberger is a functional athlete who will allow the Chargers to focus on their starting competition week in and week out without worrying about whether there will be enough scout team reps to go around in the preseason.
Illinois DT TeRah Edwards
Edwards would've really preferred to not be in this draft class, as he applied for a waiver for an additional year of eligibility at Illinois in March. That waiver was denied on April 3, keeping Edwards in the draft and allowing the Chargers to scoop him up to add to their rotation on the defensive line. An extremely strong player who primarily lined up at nose tackle for the Illini, Edwards will now have to prove he's more valuable than veterans Naquan Jones and Christopher Hinton to find a way onto the squad in any capacity.
Virginia Tech DT Josh Fuga
Fuga nearly exclusively played in the B gap for the Hokies, with 1,414 snaps there versus 299 snaps anywhere else on the defensive line. A sixth-year player who was overshadowed by draft picks Aeneas Peebles and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Fuga has primarily been a role player in his college career. He totaled just four sacks and four pass deflections in his career, but he ran a quick 5.08 40-yard dash and otherwise tested well at 321 pounds.
Baylor EDGE Garmon Randolph
At 6'6", 265 pounds, Randolph is built more like a tight end than an edge rusher. Indeed, he was primarily known for his exploits on the offensive side of the ball as a high schooler before moving to defense full time when he committed to Baylor in 2019. With only 10 career sacks, Randolph is still learning how to harness his athleticism and keep his pad level low enough to be effective consistently. With an explosive first step and the ability to drop into coverage, however, he could be a nice developmental project for Mike Elston, edge coach Dylan Roney, and Jesse Minter.
Western Kentucky EDGE Kylan Guidry
Another receiver/edge combination player in high school, Guidry also played basketball and competed in the high jump and 400m in high school. He's much more of a fireball off the edge, standing at just 235 lbs with a 1.58 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash. He was second on the Hilltoppers with 7 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in 2024, but his ability to hold up as a run defender will likely be the deciding factor in how long he lasts at the NFL level.
Syracuse LB Marlowe Wax
Wax battled through injury to play in eight games this season, with his teammate Alijah Clark (who signed with the Cowboys on Saturday) telling the media that the linebacker played at 55% for the entire season at Syracuse's pro day. His best season was in 2023, when he had 110 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 4 sacks while forcing 4 fumbles. After a buzzy workout at his pro day, including a 4.62 40-yard dash, Wax will look to push Del'Shawn Phillips for a role on special teams or land on the practice squad.
Oregon CB Nikko Reed
An Oakland native who initially committed to Colorado before transferring to Oregon when Deion Sanders became the head coach in Boulder, Reed has bulked up from 155 pounds as a freshman to 183 at Oregon's pro day. Nonetheless, he doesn't quite have the ideal size to play at corner, and is more likely to move into the nickel as a pro. His recovery speed and play awareness have progressed every season and he's eager to fit the run, which could lend himself to a role in the Chargers secondary.
Iowa State CB Myles Purchase
Another potential contributor in the nickel, Purchase stands just 5'9" but is a much more filled out 203 pounds. Like Reed, Purchase is an eager run defender who bursts to the ball. He's not quite as quick as Reed, however, as he finished with a 4.51 40-yard dash at the Big 12 conference pro day. But after signing Notre Dame nickel Thomas Harper in undrafted free agency last season and losing him to waivers, it's clear the Chargers want to continue to take swings at the position by signing Reed and Purchase.
Bowling Green CB Jordan Oladokun
The younger brother of 2022 Steelers draftee and current Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun, the Bowling Green corner has had a winding college career. After initially committing to Iowa, Oladokun backed off his pledge and headed to Samford to join his brother, transferring to Bowling Green ahead of the 2022 season. One of just three FBS corners to not allow a touchdown in coverage in at least 400 snaps according to PFF, Oladokun is a highly productive player on the ball (9 career interceptions) whose athleticism is the main obstacle to NFL success.
Rutgers CB Eric Rogers
Rogers drew interest from the Chargers before the draft, as The Draft Network's Justin Melo reported on March 30 that Los Angeles had showed some interest in the Rutgers corner after his impressive pro day that included a 6.84 3-cone drill and 4.25 shuttle drill. A Northern Illinois transfer who clocked in at just 178 pounds, Rogers told Melo that he's more used to playing man coverage, which fits his skillset as a taller and longer corner.
Virginia Tech S Jaylen Jones
With 289 special teams snaps and a near-equal split between free safety, the slot, and reps in the box, Jones is a versatile defender who could push Saturday draft picks RJ Mickens and Trikweze Bridges for a spot on the 53-man roster as the fourth safety behind Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden. Those three rookies and veteran Tony Jefferson will be in competition for that spot, as well as 1-2 spots on the practice squad. Jones ran 4.52 at Virginia Tech's pro day, but will have to show solid ability both on defense and special teams to stick around.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers sign 19 undrafted free agents: Everything you need to know
Continue reading...
