While 257 players heard their name called over draft week, plenty of talented prospects from the college level that teams are excited to work with and just need the opportunity to showcase their talents.
At the conclusion of the draft, the Los Angeles Chargers, along with the other 31 franchises across the league, are racing to call and secure priority undrafted free agents to fill out their 90-man roster, hoping to find diamonds in the rough at major discounts.
The team ended up signing 18 UDFA’s, with some having a great shot of making the final 53-man roster in the fall. Let’s get to know them!
3 Chargers UDFA’s Who Can Make The Final Roster
1. Nadame Tucker, OLB, Western Michigan
The crown jewel of this UDFA class is none other than Nadame (Nah-dame) Tucker, the outside linebacker out of Western Michigan. The 6’2, 247 lbs player reunites with new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, who held the same role at WMU this past season.
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Tucker led the MAC with 21 TFL’s and 14.5 sacks, the latter of which was tied for the national lead, alongside 2026 second overall pick David Bailey from Texas Tech. The 25-year-old rookie had a 92.7 pass rush grade and a 90.5 overall grade according to PFF. That ranked 4th and 11th, respectively, amongst EDGE prospects this year.
His presence on the field was an instrumental part of the defensive turnaround at WMU, spearheading the 9th-ranked scoring defense (17.4 points per game) in the nation.
With a 6th-7th round draft grade and ranking as the 29th EDGE prospect by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, it was a surprise not to hear his name called during the Draft.
The Chargers capitalize here and are able to fill out their pass rush room with Tucker, who will be vying for that fourth OLB spot, along with veteran Bud Dupree and Kyle Kennard, the team’s fourth-rounder from last year.
His understanding and fit with the O’Leary’s scheme, coupled with his familiarity with linebackers coach Sean Spence, will give him an inside track towards making the Chargers’ final roster. Spence served as the defensive end coach at WMU last season and joins Chris O’Leary and the Chargers this season.
Tucker will have to become a core four special teamer to better his chances of making the roster. It will be a similar path as OLB Caleb Murphy did last year, who’s now with the New York Giants.
2. Avery Smith, CB, Toledo
Cornerback Avery Smith from Toledo is yet another steal by this Chargers front office, as he also had a draftable grade. In Dane Brugler’s annual edition of “The Beast”, Smith was projected as a 5th-6th round pick.
At 5’10, 196 lbs, Smith is an undersized cornerback who makes up for it in his over toughness through his willingness in run defense and demeanor as a tackler, managing to force a fumble against Louisville in the Boca Raton Bowl. He played a lot of off coverage at both outside and slot corner, though he’ll likely transition as a slot corner in the NFL due to his size and skill sets.
Smith was a two-year starter for the Rockets, where he collected 127 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 26 PDs,1 FF, and 3 INTs.
The Georgia native originally committed to Toledo as a QB before making the switch to CB, which explains why it took so long to get on the field.
This worked to his benefit, however, as Smith became an excellent special teamer. He blocked a punt in 2024 and also blocked a field goal kick against Louisville, returning it for a 79-yard 2-point conversion in 2025.
Shining on Ryan Ficken’s special teams unit is his path towards a roster spot, where he’ll compete with CB Deanne Leonnard and S Kendall Williamson for that core special teamer role.
3. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The Chargers literally conducted highway robbery signing offensive tackle Isaiah World, who lives up to his name, standing at 6’5, 323 lbs with a pair of 34.5 inch high pressued pistons attached to his body for arms.
World spent 4 years at Nevada with experience at both left and right tackle, before transferring to Oregon for his final collegiate season, where he exclusively played as the blind side protector.
Unfortunately, World tore his ACL against Indiana in the College Football Semifinals, preventing him from doing any athletic testing at the NFL Combine and his pro day. The injury contributed to his plummet from the draft after being pegged as a potential Day 3 pick.
Having gotten his surgery in February earlier this year, the average recovery time for ACL tears is around nine months, meaning he’ll miss most of his rookie season. The expectation for World is for him to be placed on the NFI (Non-Football Injury and Illness) for his rookie season.
In doing so, he’ll be forced to miss at least 4 games. He won’t count against the 53-man roster, and will not have a required return date that a regular IR (Injured Reserve) designation would carry.
Still, the Chargers see World’s potential, as head coach Jim Harbaugh shouted with a resounding “YEAH”, after finding out they were able ot sign him, showcasing just how excited he is about him. World’s very much a Harbaugh type of lineman who’s strongsuit is his physicality in the run game.
It’s low risk high reward move that gives an opportunity for the Chargers to stash a high upside offensive lineman who could provide depth to the unit in 2027. It also allows more time for World to acclimate and learn at the NFL level as he continues to recover from his serious injury.
The Hill To Climb For UDFA’s
It’s an uphill battle for UDFA’s seeking to earn a spot from the bottom of depths of the roster. However, there’s always a chance, with stars such as RB Austin Ekeler and Hall of Fame TE Antonio Gates starting off from the same path.
Just last year, three UDFA’s made the initial 53-man roster in CB’s Nikko Reed, Eric Rogers, and LB Marlowe Wax, who played a key role on special teams.
Under head coach Jim Harbaugh’s “competitors welcome” mantra, it’s going to be an exciting roster battle during OTAs (Optional Team Activities) and training camp as we gear towards the start of the 2026 NFL season.