The Los Angeles Chargers filled a number of roster needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they will now enter 2026 with more depth and more flexibility at many positions than they've had in a while. It's an inspiring sign for a season with lofty expectations from the fanbase.
Rookie mini-camp took place over the weekend, and many Chargers fans got their first real looks at the draft selections that will play integral roles for Los Angeles this season. But until the final roster is set, there will also be a number of pieces from their strong UDFA class that will push for a spot on the team.
These positional battles won't be as high-profile as the ones their actual draft selections will provide, but they could quickly prove to be significant nonetheless. Let's take a look, therefore, at the four Chargers UDFAs who have the best chance to make the roster this season.
Chargers' UDFA class could yield some intriguing pieces if they're able to fight their way onto the roster
(For the sake of this exercise, we'll leave out OT Isaiah World, who is likely to make the roster but use his rookie season as a sort of 'medical redshirt' year.)
Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan
Tucker is someone that was indicated as a potential Chargers draft target early in the process as a result of his direct ties to new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. Tucker spent the final season of his college career under O'Leary at Western Michigan. He was highly productive, posting 14.5 sacks, 55 combined tackles, and 21 tackles for loss across 13 games.
O'Leary left the door open for a competition in the EDGE room with his comments before mini-camp. While Tucker's ties to O'Leary certainly won't guarantee him a spot on the roster, both Bud Dupree and Kyle Kennard have vulnerabilities that could leave a path for Tucker to force his way into the pass-rusher rotation come Week 1.
Lander Barton, LB, Utah
While Tucker is perhaps the most exciting member of the Chargers' UDFA class, Barton likely holds the highest upside. He was one of the most productive off-ball linebackers in his final season at Utah, posting 55 combined tackles across 13 games. He lacks some short-area quickness and athleticism, but he has the workhorse mentality to be attractive to Los Angeles up the middle.
The Chargers brought back Denzel Perryman on a one-year, $2.79 million contract for 2026. But Junior Colson played just 32% of defensive snaps across 11 games in 2025, and Marlowe Wax (a 2025 UDFA) profiled primarily as a special-teams piece in his rookie campaign. Barton has a chance to force his way into the mix behind Perryman.
Devin Grant, S, Syracuse
The Chargers cemented their safety rotation with their selection of Genesis Smith in the fourth round of the Draft. But as it stands, they currently have no one to serve as a depth piece for the big-nickel role that Derwin James has taken on under Los Angeles' new regime.
Grant has some injury concerns (he suffered a torn MCL in 2024 and played just 10 games in 2025). But if he's able to stay healthy, he has a chance to earn a bench/special-teams role at an area of need for the Chargers. He had an excellent showing at Syracuse's pro day, and he has the physicality to quickly impress the coaching staff once training camp begins.
Avery Smith, CB, Toledo
Smith also profiles as a potential nickel, although he's smaller and likely has less physical upside than Grant. But he also has extensive special-teams experience, and that's something that could give him the edge in a roster competition if special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken likes what he sees.
Smith spent his first two seasons at Toledo primarily as a special-teams contributor before moving into the cornerback rotation. With Deane Leonard potentially making that same shift for the Chargers in 2026, it could open up a lane for Smith to play his way into an NFL contract.
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