Chargers News: Is there room for a UDFA offensive lineman? – Bolts From The Blue

When it comes to the Bolts, you never truly know which of the undrafted free agents signed by the team will end up making the final roster.

When former tight end Sean Culkin made this roster as a seldomly-used pass-catcher out of Missouri, it was a surprise to many. The team had Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry already and whoever the third tight end was probably okay to be the teams third-stringer. But he made the cut, regardless. Even when this team seemed to have enough defensive backs, the Chargers kept Brandon Facyson following the 2018 draft, as well.

This year, its easy to point at the trio of fullback prospects and say one of them is going to make the team, especially after moving on from Derek Watt but again, theres always a potential surprise in there somewhere.

This year, could that potential surprise be another offensive lineman? If youre Bleacher Reports Kristopher Knox, than yes. In Knoxs recent piece, he named a UDFA from each of the 32 NFL clubs whom he believes have the most-likely chance of ending up with the team. For the Bolts, he pegged former Florida State right tackle Ryan Roberts.

After trading away Russell Okung to acquire Trai Turner, Los Angeles was left with a void at left tackle, Knox says. Free-agent addition Bryan Bulaga may kick over to the left side to fill it, but that would then leave the Chargers with question marks on the right side.

For starters, we know this isnt happening. Like, for real. Bulaga is staying on the right side and that is that. It would just cause even more problems to have him move sides than just finding a guy solidify the blindside.

With that said, Knox goes on to explain why Roberts could be in a battle with Sam Tevi and Trey Pipkin in this scenario. Again, we know thats not going to be the case, but the team is still very much open to adding the right pieces along the OL. Roberts started 10 games across the 2017 and 2018 seasons at Northern Illinois before transferring and starting every game for the Seminoles at right tackle. At 66 and 305 pounds, he does offer ideal length and hes built very well for the position. When I threw on his film against Syracuse, he stays locked-in on his blocks and shows great effort when moving to the second level. He also looks to lay the big hit on smaller defenders if given the chance.

If Roberts can show some inside-outside versatility, then I dont see why he wouldnt get a similar look as when Scott was attempting to make the team. Time will tell, however.

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Chargers News: Is there room for a UDFA offensive lineman? - Bolts From The Blue