The Los Angeles Chargers first preseason game is on Saturday, August 10th. This matchup will allow plenty of undrafted rookies to get their shot in the NFL, as well as former undrafted practice squad players, for a chance at the roster. However, what about the players who were drafted fairly high and have not lived up to expectations? Those are the types of players who have the most to prove in the preseason.
3 Chargers With The Most To Prove In The Preseason
Isaiah Spiller
The very first Charger with the most to prove is one that the entire NFL community has seemingly forgotten about. Isaiah Spiller, the former fourth-round selection in 2022 out of Texas A&M, has been quite disappointing his first two seasons in the league. The Chargers hoped when drafting the talented back he would blossom into the future starter after Austin Ekeler’s contract is up. However, two years after his draft selection, Spiller only has 137 yards in his two seasons in the NFL.
Rookie RG Zion Johnson frees up fellow rookie RB Isaiah Spiller, and Spiller fights hard for the first down at the end. Ekeler-Spiller-Kelley-Michel should be a nice group, though not sure if they'll keep an RB4 active.
Spiller had a great MTF on this drive too. pic.twitter.com/nA6yjHEt6k
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) November 23, 2022
There have been some flashes from Spiller, and he is only 23 years old. If there was ever a year for him to have a chance to compete and show his talent, it would be this year. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh are both run-centric coaches who preach competing. A regime change that compliments Spiller’s talents is exactly what he would need to get out of the hole he has dug himself into. This Chargers preseason is the best way for Spiller to argue his spot on the roster, leading us to believe he is a candidate for the most-to-prove category.
Easton Stick to Isaiah Spiller#ChargersCamp pic.twitter.com/zZDnbiCGl0
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) August 3, 2024
JT Woods
A former third-round draft pick out of Baylor, the player taken in the same draft as Spiller, JT Woods has been even more disappointing. The plans for Woods were simple, give Derwin James a proper compliment in the then-Brandon Staley-led defense. Woods had the speed, range, and length to become a very strong piece of this Chargers defense. Unfortunately, those tools were nothing but tools. Woods, in his two seasons in the NFL, has dealt with injury, health issues, and a lack of tackling ability, which has completely hindered his game.
The NFL is starting to slow down for Chargers S JT Woods (in the preseason). Love to see it. pic.twitter.com/UJmicgYhSV
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) August 22, 2023
Just this last preseason, there were the flashes for Woods, which showed Chargers fans that hope is not all lost. Now, with this preseason and new defensive coaching staff, Woods could be very well in the mix for the third safety spot on this roster. It is his final chance to prove himself to the Chargers.
Chris Rumph II
What is the “veteran” of the group, Chris Rumph II, is now going into his fourth season, looking for a second contract, but first and foremost, a roster spot. Rumph has shown the most promise out of this entire group and doing so while being a fourth-round selection in 2021. Although, it has not been enough for this new regime and to look for his replacements. New signee Bud Dupree is easily going to be the fourth EDGE on this team, while Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and second-year second-round selection Tuli Tuipolotu get the majority of the defensive snaps.
Let’s hope to see more of this from Chris Rumph II👍. Looked like he was shot out of a cannon👏 pic.twitter.com/NUONqQnNO4
— Herbert is the Standard – PROCESS TRUSTED⚡️ (@SunnySideUp211) December 20, 2022
Coming off a major injury and having shown minimal improvement over his seasons with the team, the writing may be on the wall for Rumph II. Although the flashes have been there, coupled with this off-season garnering some hype for the slim but technically refined rusher. If he can put it all together this preseason, he may force the hand of the Chargers to keep five EDGE players. His role on special teams could very well make that decision much easier than initially thought. It all just comes down to his performance in this preseason.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
