The Los Angeles Chargers’ revamped backfield is already one of the NFL’s most intriguing position groups heading into 2025, and undrafted free agent Raheim Sanders is quickly becoming a name to watch — and one that could seriously complicate things for veteran Najee Harris.
Sanders, who split his college career between Arkansas and South Carolina, surprisingly went undrafted in what was considered a deep and crowded running back class. But the 22-year-old brings real upside to the table — and PFF agrees. They recently named Sanders a UDFA to watch, praising his unique combination of size, burst, and elusive receiving ability.
Despite a 2023 campaign limited to six games due to injury, Sanders still showed enough juice to generate NFL interest. He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine and was 100th percentile in forced missed tackles per reception last season. In 2022, during his breakout season at Arkansas, he rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Even in a more limited 2024 campaign, he tallied 881 yards and 11 scores while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.
Los Angeles Chargers UDFA Creating Camp Battle In Offensive Backfield
What’s especially notable is how the Chargers are handling Sanders. He wasn’t asked to participate in special teams or strength drills during rookie minicamp — a potential sign that the coaching staff already sees him as a legitimate contender for the 53-man roster.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh also singled Sanders out after rookie minicamp, “Rocket Sanders, I know him well. He’s got great tape,” Harbaugh said.
That’s bad news for Harris.
The former Steelers bell cow signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles this offseason, but it’s clear the franchise isn’t counting on him being the long-term answer. After drafting Omarion Hampton in the first round, the Bolts are now flush with young, explosive talent in the backfield — and they may already be looking to phase out Harris, who has four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons but a pedestrian 3.9 yards per carry average.
Sanders offers something different — and perhaps more modern. He ranked in the 72nd percentile in yards after contact per rush attempt, and his ability to create after the catch could set him apart in an evolving NFL offense.
While no one is expecting Sanders to immediately leapfrog a first-round pick or a proven veteran, the early signs from Chargers camp suggest he could force his way into a role — especially if the team shifts to a running back-by-committee approach. With J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards gone, the entire depth chart is up for grabs.
Sanders may not have been drafted, but he’s already proving he belongs. If his camp performance matches his college tape, the Chargers might have landed one of the steals of the 2025 rookie class — and another key piece in their ground game rebuild.
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