The Los Angeles Chargers entered OTAs with a crowded tight end room and few open roster spots, but one undrafted rookie is quietly forcing his way into the conversation.
Stevo Klotz, a versatile fullback/tight end hybrid from Iowa State, has caught the attention of head coach Jim Harbaugh—and perhaps more importantly, earned early praise as a potential core special teams contributor in the NFL. For an undrafted free agent, that distinction is often the clearest path to cracking a 53-man roster.
“Fullback, tight end and special teams,” Harbaugh said when asked about Klotz’s role. “I think that he can be an above-average core special teams player in the National Football League. And where he’s at right now, I think he could acquit himself well at one of those two positions.”
Special teams may not be glamorous, but for players on the roster bubble, it’s everything. Harbaugh’s endorsement signals that Klotz is already a step ahead in the eyes of the coaching staff—and on a team in transition, that can mean opportunity.
A Crowded Position Group — But an Open Window
The Chargers are expected to carry three tight ends into the season, with Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin entrenched at the top and fifth-round rookie Oronde Gadsden II positioned as a developmental third option. That leaves Tucker Fisk, McCallan Castles, Jordan Petaia, and Klotz battling for what might be a single depth or practice squad spot.
Fisk saw playing time last season, but nothing is guaranteed under a new regime. If Klotz can prove more valuable on special teams—or showcase blocking consistency in camp—he could leapfrog veterans and land a place in the pipeline.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that Klotz has been a standout through the first weeks of OTAs, catching five passes in a single practice and taking early long-snapping reps. His versatility, especially on special teams, is giving the Chargers’ staff multiple reasons to keep him around.
“Keep an eye out for undrafted rookie tight end Stevo Klotz,” Popper noted. “There might not be a spot for him on the 53-man roster, but he feels like a lock for the practice squad, with the potential to make an impact as an elevation player during the season.”
Blocking > Box Score
Klotz didn’t flash much in the passing game during his time at Iowa State—just 15 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns across 39 games. But his value lies elsewhere. As a compact, physical blocker who can line up at fullback or in-line tight end, Klotz fits the mold of a Harbaugh-style player: tough, reliable, and team-first.
That role may never make headlines, but it’s the kind that earns trust and snaps in the NFL.
The Road Ahead with the Los Angeles Chargers
While the odds remain long for Klotz to break camp on the 53-man roster, his arrow is pointing up. With a thin tight end depth chart behind the starters and an open-minded coaching staff in place, Klotz will have every opportunity to carve out a role.
Training camp will be the true test—but for now, the Chargers may have quietly found a gem in an unheralded, hard-nosed UDFA from Ames.
As Harbaugh put it simply: “I like his tape.”
And that, for a rookie still learning the ropes, might be the most meaningful endorsement of all.
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