The Chargers Undrafted Free Agent With The Most Potential
When it comes to undrafted free agents, the Chargers are a unique case-study. Many NFL teams prescribe to different philosophies of team building but not many are fruitful in their efforts of bringing in contributors without spending draft capital or free-agent dollars.
The Chargers, on the other hand, have found players such as Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd, Austin Ekeler and Adrian Phillips in undrafted free agency. The team currently has the longest active streak in the NFL of one of these players making the 53-man roster going 22 consecutive years.
The Chargers are now in the heat of training camp, and the question becomes not if, but who will be the player that beats the odds this year? There is one player who seems to have the inside track on making the team in punter Tyler Newsome. The former Notre Dame punter finds himself with CFL standout Ty Long as the only players at the position on the roster. That being said, no one wants to talk punters.
The player that might be the most exciting and intriguing prospect this season is wide receiver, Jason Moore. Coming out of Division II Findlay, Moore hurt his draft stock last season being suspended for all but four games. Although, the seasons before that, he was dominant.
In the 2016-17 seasons, no one on that level of competition stood a chance. Moore racked up 136 receptions for 2,095 yards while hauling in an astounding 29 touchdowns in just 24 games. No matter who you are going up against, those are ridiculous numbers. For his career, Moore had 800 more receiving yards, five more receiving touchdowns and 28 more catches than the next closest player.
At 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, Moore fits the mold of the big-bodied receiver that the Chargers covet. Philip Rivers has loved throwing to bigger receivers from Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd to now with Mike Williams. Like these other players, Moore thrives at completing contested catches.
On his highlight reel, you can see Moore repeatedly “Mossing” defenders jumping over them and snatching the ball away. His ability to track the ball in the air and attack the ball at the highest point are extremely valuable assets at the next level. Catching 39 touchdowns in college is the reason he is getting a look in camp this season. The former Findlay Oiler does have some red flags. He does not have the elite top-end speed you would like from an NFL receiver. He also showed some off-the-field concerns as well, with the aforementioned suspension, which came from failing a drug test. Playing against Division II talent doesn’t help his case either, but it didn’t stop the Chargers from drafting Trey Pipkins.
Moore has made some waves with some great catches in camp, but he is still a long shot to make the roster. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Travis Benjamin are all but locks to make the roster, which leaves only 2-3 spots for the other seven players at the position. That being said, the Chargers have been willing in the past to take chances on an undrafted free agent with upside.
Moore might not be the most likely to make the 53-man roster, but he is the undrafted free agent with the best chance to make the biggest impact.