As we all know by now, The Los Angeles Chargers had a very disappointing 2023. With a plethora of injuries occurring, plenty of players were able to get their opportunity to get playing time. Some may have been not-so-good and some have shown enough to be in an important role next year. There are two more underrated Chargers that should be given a camp spot. They have earned the chance to get real playing time next season.
Ol’ Reliable: Alex Erickson
The most obvious of these players would have to start with Alex Erickson. The Chargers signed him to the practice squad as a Veteran return man option if rookie Derius Davis did not perform. Spoiler Alert; Davis was just fine. He was selected as an All-Pro Returner. Erickson eventually worked his way onto the active roster on December 2nd after being elevated on October 28th.
The former Bengal had already shown the league he could be a fine depth receiver with return chops and was just waiting to prove that once again, even with his age. The 31-year-old became a very underrated Chargers playmaker in 2023. A reliable target for Herbert before his injury, and then Easton Stick’s favorite target during his time starting. This shows his ability to be reliable, and an easy target for any quarterback.
Week 16 was Erickson’s first time getting real snaps due to Keenan Allen’s season-ending heel injury. In the meaningless games, Erickson played his heart out. The last three games yielded the veteran receiver: 14 targets for 11 catches that went for 163 yards. Which on paper does not seem extremely impressive, but considering the state of the offense at that time, it’s more than enough to warrant a camp spot.
Fun Fact: If he kept up that pace for an entire season, that would have totaled out to 62 catches for 923 yards.
Position Has Never Been Set in Stone: Stone Smartt
Stone Smartt was a Joe Lombardi favorite, and that in itself may have turned fans off to the idea of the developmental tight end. That said, Smartt with proper development and coaching has the tools to become a very intriguing player. The Former Old Dominion quarterback can be an underrated Chargers playmaker for the foreseeable future. This is due to his understanding of the game from the quarterback’s perspective. After starting off as a quarterback, he moved to wide receiver where he also returned some kicks. He has had to change positions a total of three times.
That said, Smartt was given an opportunity by the Bolts, as they saw his athleticism at receiver, and moved him to tight end where he can truly be a mismatch. As a former quarterback, he also completely understands the game from the one who is throwing him the ball. This knowledge is extremely valuable and will likely make him a stronger target for Justin Herbert. However, he is still undersized for a tight end is not the best as a blocker. That is a given considering his skillset.
RAS Score as a RECEIVER:
Stone Smartt is a WR prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 8.94 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 296 out of 2786 WR from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/jnU9PTkbK6 #RAS #UDFA https://t.co/rThOqJbAH4 pic.twitter.com/AwsGYIvUwB
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 1, 2022
During his time with the Chargers in 2022, he spent the majority of the season on the bench or on the practice squad. This season, he was given a roster spot and a little bit more of a target share, where had 11 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown. One of his touchdowns was a 51-yard touchdown where he showed off his ability to break tackles. These flashes of potential are more than enough reason for him to compete once again for a spot on the roster next season. He will finally have consecutive years at one position, hopefully streamlining his development to becoming more than just an “underrated Chargers player.”
that's six.
📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/etvAnCTFqe
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 19, 2023
Outlook On Their Futures
Both of these players are in very different stages in their careers. The Chargers are going into a season with a lot of change, and Alex Erickson should be one thing they do not change. He already has good chemistry with both quarterbacks as well as veteran depth for both receivers and returners. He won’t beat you with game-changing speed, but he will do more than enough to get the job done if called upon.
The case for Smartt is as simple the Chargers will have near-zero tight ends on the roster next season. An extended opportunity for Smartt is more time to develop his skills and chemistry with Herbert. A young tight end who has shown flashes is someone you want to give more time with the team. All in all, these underrated Chargers are more than deserving of another shot in the Powder Blues.
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Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
