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3 UDFAs That Can Surprisingly Make The Chargers Final Roster

The Chargers have a long history of having surprisingly UDFAs make the roster. Does this continue in 2024, even under a new regime?
Chargers UFDA

Under former General Manager Tom Telesco, the Los Angeles Chargers always had a surprise rookie make the roster. Whether it was AJ Finley, Elijah Dotson, Amen Ogbongbemiga, or even a throwback like Adrian Phillips, these guys have all been complete surprises to the general media to make the final 53-man roster. This year, under a brand new regime of General Manager Joe Hortiz and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, will this streak continue? If so, who are three UDFAs that can surprisingly make the Chargers final roster?

3 UDFAs Who Can Make The Chargers Final Roster

South Dakota State – Tight End, Zach Heins

The first Chargers UDFA that can make the final 53-man roster is Zach Heins. The monstrous Tight End out of South Dakota State possesses plenty of traits that the Chargers will covet in this new Greg Roman-led offense. Whether it’s his soft, reliable hands or his ability to maul opposing defenders in the run game, look for Heins to really push for a spot on the final roster. The only main concern with the Chargers rookie is his lack of athletic traits, which ultimately led to his status as a UDFA.

Read: Zach Heins Scouting Report

 

The competition for Heins is not as fierce as it really seems. The Chargers added two brand new tight ends in free agency, one of which could very well be the most underrated signing of the entire Chargers off-season. Outside of those additions, no tight end in the Chargers room is 100% safe. Donald Parham Jr has received enough praise from the coaching staff to warrant him being the likely TE3 option. So, that leaves the “TE4” option available in the tight end-heavy offense. That spot will come down to impressive quarterback convert Stone Smartt, fellow Chargers UDFA Luke Benson, and fullback/tight end Ben Mason. Outside of Smartt, who has real NFL experience, the door is wide open for Zach Heins to come in and take a spot on this final 53-man roster.

Michigan – Offensive Lineman, Karsen Barnhart

If you have been following my writing for a while, it was pretty predictable to expect me to put Karsen Barnhart on this list. The Chargers rookie has been a player I have been extremely high on and have linked to the Chargers for months, even before the draft. That being said, how does he make this roster? His tools as an offensive lineman are quite rare, especially for a Chargers UDFA pickup. His ability to play any spot on the offensive line, doing so on the College National Championship team, is a skill set you don’t usually see out of a UDFA. Barnhart’s entire player profile is extremely intriguing.

Beyond his versatility, the Chargers UDFA signee’s communication skills and athletic ability are quite underrated. Both will aid his transfer to the next level. Furthermore, as reported by The Draft Network, Barnhart has “Team-high $115k in salary guarantees.” This should really solidify his spot on the roster. You don’t invest this much in a player you don’t plan on rostering.

The main concern with the Chargers rookie is athletic ability has yet to fully transfer to the football field. The good news for Barnhart is he gets to go back to Jim Harbaugh and his staff to continue his development. The only competition for Barnhart is new signee Alex Leatherwood. One of the league’s all-time busts. Expecting the former Michigan Wolverine to make this roster is not out of the ordinary.

Florida State – Safety, Akeem Dent

The last Chargers UDFA that can compete for a roster spot is Akeem Dent. The Safety from Florida State may have the easiest path to the roster, as his main competition is an un-retired Tony Jefferson and third-round-bust JT Woods. The UDFA signee, Dent, possesses strong athletic ability with an RAS score of 8.65 and a 4.45 40-yard dash time. The Chargers have been desperately looking for that “center-fielder” type of safety. Someone who can roam from sideline to sideline. Dent has the ability to do so, showing that in his five years in college.

The 24-year-old Safety does struggle at times with his reaction time to flip his hips and run, leading him to be a step behind in coverage. Dent is also on the smaller side for an NFL Safety, standing at 5’11, 203lbs. The good news is that Chargers Strength and Condition Coach Ben Herbert is already one of the best in the league. The final two spots will be between Thomas Harper, Jalyn Philips, Akeem Dent, JT Woods, AJ Finley, and Tony Jefferson. With an easy path to the roster and two safety spots open on this Chargers roster, it’s easy to see that this Chargers UDFA can make the team.

Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports 

Nate Gosney

Nate Gosney

Nate Gosney is a 20 year old football nerd, who has been using his smarts to become an NFL Writer since 2022. Having played in high school all four years at various OL positions, but he eventually found his footing as a blocking Tight End. This journey gives Nate an unique perspective. Trench play & tough football is key to him. Furthermore, he was born and raised a Charger fan. This has led to perpetual heartbreak since 2004. Gosney is a Journalism Graduate from Chaffey College, and is now transferring to Cal State San Bernardino.

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