Two UDFAs Challenge Chargers’ Depth Chart
Undrafted rookies vie for roster spots as the Los Angeles Chargers hold their padded practice, with edge rusher Nadame Tucker showcasing relentless pressure.
The Los Angeles Chargers completed their first padded practice on Tuesday, August 4, a milestone that puts undrafted rookies in the spotlight as they vie for spots on the 53‑man roster.
Edge rusher Nadame Tucker makes a splash
Former Western Michigan standout Nadame Tucker entered camp with a reputation for relentless pressure. His college coach, Chris O’Leary, praised the player’s ability to generate power off the line, a trait that seemed to translate to the NFL field. During the practice, Tucker recorded three sacks, a performance confirmed by a reporter.
At 26, he is older than most rookies and carries a smaller frame for an edge player, factors that likely contributed to his undrafted status despite finishing second nationally in sacks and leading in pass‑rush win rate. Still, his elite first step and motor earned attention from coaches looking for depth on the defensive line.
Related: Guardians Struggle After Early Error
If the prospect can translate that pass‑rush production to special‑teams duties, the path to a roster spot becomes clearer. The franchise has historically valued versatility, and his willingness to contribute in multiple phases could be the deciding factor as the team trims its roster.
Corners battle for a place: Avery Smith’s rise
Cornerback Avery Smith arrived in Los Angeles after going undrafted despite a solid college career at Toledo and favorable grades from most scouting services. The organization, which did not select a corner in the recent draft, turned to free agents to fill depth behind its established trio.
Smith’s performance during organized team activities (OTAs) earned positive notes from journalists on the scene, and his reputation was reinforced when veteran defensive back Derwin James Jr. praised his confidence and willingness to compete. “Confidence, swagger, he’s throwing on the seat belt after he makes a play,” James said, according to a tweet from team reporter Alex Insdorf.
Because the secondary lacks proven depth beyond the top three starters, his consistency in coverage and special‑team contributions could secure one of the final roster spots. The ability to stay disciplined against both the pass and the run adds a layer of flexibility that coaches often seek in late‑round or undrafted players.
Related: Real Madrid challenges own transfer rules for Rodri
These two undrafted players illustrate how roster decisions hinge on more than draft pedigree.
From a broader perspective, the rise of undrafted talent in training camps reflects a league‑wide trend where teams prioritize immediate impact over draft position. Coaches increasingly rely on measurable outputs—such as sacks in a single practice or positive feedback from star players—to assess a rookie’s readiness.
As the preseason progresses, the Chargers will continue to evaluate players like Tucker and Smith across multiple phases of the game. Their next steps will involve more intensive drills, film study, and perhaps a deeper look at how they fit into the team’s overall defensive scheme. For now, the three‑sack showing and the commendation from a Pro Bowl safety keep both men firmly in the conversation.
