Over the past month, I have been breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.
To round things up, I project what the special teams room will look like heading into this season.
Kicker: Alex Kessman
It doesn’t sound as intriguing as other position battles, but this will be one of the most polarizing in Chargers training camp. This will be a three-way competition between Michael Badgley, Tristan Vizcaino and Kessman. In my opinion, the undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh comes away with the job. Kessman hit a career long and school record 58-yard field goal this past season and converted 12 of 18 kicks of 50 yards or longer in his collegiate career, which is the best rate in NCAA history. It’s not an easy task to fend off two veterans, but given the new coaching staff, Kessman might have the upper hand as they could be looking to start the special teams unit from scratch.
Alex Kessman Pro Day
60 yards pic.twitter.com/alYBxIxOW7— Adam (@HKA_Tanalski) March 17, 2021
Punter: Ty Long
Long enters camp in competition with Lachlan Edwards, who was signed earlier this offseason. Even though the special teams department needs some remodeling, Long didn’t do anything last season that should put his spot in jeopardy. Despite having three of his attempted punts blocked, Long still managed to average 47 yards per punt on the season.
Long Snapper: Ryan Langan
Like the kicker position, I project that the Chargers roll into the season with the undrafted free agent. Langan, the former Georgia State product, will be fighting for the job with the third-year Cole Mazza. Over four seasons in college, Langan was a two-time All-Sun Belt player and was a finalist for the Patrick Mannely Long Snapper of the Year Award. Mazza, on the other hand, will be entering the final year of his deal that would owe him $850k. In a stat less position, Los Angeles decides to go with the cheaper option.
Not a single. bad. snap.
Get ready, @Chargers fans 😏🍿#HailSouthern | #BoltUp | @langan_xxvii pic.twitter.com/ZBv4DGuQq4
— Georgia Southern Football (@GSAthletics_FB) May 2, 2021
