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3 UDFAs That Can Crack The Chargers 53-Man Roster

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Los Angeles Chargers UDFA Marlowe Wax, linebacker

The Los Angeles Chargers just got over an exceptional draft, filling their roster with nine young, talented players. Whether it was getting more weapons for Justin Herbert or potential starters among the defensive line, their roster was massively improved.

After the draft, the roster improvement continued. The Chargers did not make the splashiest moves in undrafted free agency, but they still looked at potential contributors, so which undrafted free agents in particular have the ability to make this Chargers final 53-man roster?

3 UDFAs That Can Crack The Chargers 53-Man Roster

Marlowe Wax: One Man To Beat

This may come as a surprise, but Marlowe Wax out of Syracuse could very well become a future core special-teams ace for the Chargers. Think of Amen Ogbongbemiga a few years back, and the impact he had on the Chargers.

Wax had some draft buzz in his redshirt Junior season, as he had 110 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one interception. He decided to go back for one more season, and unfortunately, it did not go as planned. Wax played in only eight games, showing a statistical decline in nearly every category. Wax was able to get picked up by the Chargers as an UDFA, likely due to his high 7.03 RAS score.

If he can return to form, he has a path to making this 53-man roster. The only player in his way is veteran special-teams signee Del’Shawn Phillips. Phillips signed a 2-million-dollar contract, so financial incentive to go with Wax could very well be another factor in considering who wins the last special-teams linebacker spot.

Raheim Sanders: The Promising Chargers UDFA Vs Harbaugh’s Guy

The biggest name the Chargers signed in undrafted free agency was Raheim Sanders. At least the biggest name for the right reasons… DJ Uiagalelei. Sanders, nicknamed “Rocket”, had an incredible sophomore season at Arkansas with 1443 rushing yards, putting himself on the map as a potential high-round draft pick.

Sanders dealt with injuries and a not-so-great redshirt senior season, leading to him being picked up by the Chargers as an UDFA, even if analysts had him going confidently on day three. The Chargers obviously see some of that sophomore season left in Rocket, hoping he can contribute to this Chargers offense.

The path to doing so is not very steep, as the promising Chargers UDFA needs to beat out Jaret Patterson and Jim Harbaugh’s favorite, Hassan Haskins. The former Michigan Wolverine played a lot of meaningful snaps for the Chargers last season and does provide value on special teams. If Sanders can outplay Haskins in the reason and prove he’s a more effective offensive weapon who can also provide value as a special teamer, he can make this roster as an RB4.

Eric Rogers: Competitors Welcome

Eric Rogers signed with the Chargers as one of their UDFAs. The defensive back out of Rutgers has five college seasons under his belt, having a career high in tackles and a career-high in interceptions in his final season.

Rogers faces the hardest route to making the Chargers roster as one of their UDFAs, but the Rutgers DB knows how to compete in tough situations. Whether it was his time at Northern Illinois or during his time at Rutgers, Rogers was able to get playing time. Who is to say he can’t do the same with the Chargers?

He has plenty of competition, with Ja’Sir Taylor being the most formidable of all the players “in front” of Rogers. However, Taylor has struggled in recent memory, and could have left a bad taste in the mouths of Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. If Rogers can continue to persevere, he could very well make this roster due to his versatility and attitude.

Main Photo: [Mark Konezny] – USA Today Sports

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