The Chargers added six new members throughout the course of the weekend in the 2020 NFL draft. Following the event itself, they notched an additional 19 undrafted free agents who will all be fighting for a roster spot.
Los Angeles has had a great amount of success on bringing in hidden gems that went undrafted, including safety Adrian Phillips, tight end Antonio Gates and running back Austin Ekeler.
With that, here are four that could see their names on the 53-man roster when the 2020 season rolls around.
Joe Gaziano – DE – Northwestern
Every year, there’s always a defensive end that lights it up during training camp and preseason and makes the 53-man roster. That should be no different this year, especially because the future remains to be seen with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram since their contracts are up after the 2020 season.
At 6-foot-4 and 281 pounds, Gaziano constantly makes his presence known at rushing the passer and defending the run.
He shows the ability to convert speed to power in the pass game. He has some heavy hands in the run game, setting a firm edge while fighting pressure. With a plus initial first step and big boy power, Gaziano is able to overwhelm offensive linemen and put them on their backs at times.
Gaziano also has some alignment versatility, possessing the profile to work inside, too. In 52 games at Northwestern, he recorded 153 tackles, including 48.5 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, 15 passes defensed and eight forced fumbles.
Breiden Fehoko – NT – LSU
The Chargers signed Linval Joseph to replace Brandon Mebane earlier this offseason. Normally, they have two nose tackles on the roster, but he is the only one. I’ve said that I wouldn’t be surprised if Damion Square or Sylvester Williams is re-signed, but they could find a gem with Fehoko.
Fehoko, the former Texas Tech transfer finished his colleigate career with 71 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and two passes defensed. The big 6-foot-4 and 295 pounder is a run stopper who has a knack for clogging rushing lanes and making an impact as a pass-rusher with his upper body strength and quickness.
In addition, he provides a strong-voiced leader. Who wouldn’t want this prior to games?
Gabe Nabers – FB – Florida State
There will be a two-man competition between Nabers and Bobby Holly, who was also signed as an undrafted free agent. It’s going to be a tight competition and it’ll all come down to who performs better in training camp and preseason, but I give the slight advantage to Nabers.
Both players weren’t used in the running game that often during their collegiate careers, but they possess plus blocking skills. The only difference is that Nabers was more efficient in the passing game, finishing with 269 yards and three touchdowns on 19 receptions.
Kevin McGill – CB – Eastern Michigan
Last season, the Chargers’ first 53-man roster had six cornerbacks. I am going to go out on a limb and predict it will be Casey Hayward, Chris Harris Jr., Desmond King, Michael Davis, Brandon Facyson and McGill.
McGill, the 6-foot-2 and 200 pound corner had himself a productive career, finishing with 124 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 22 passes defensed and five interceptions.
McGill is a pro-sized defender who possesses the physicality, fluidity and natural ball skills for the position. He is capable of running step for step with receivers and has the length and instincts to make plays on the football.
