LA Chargers: Four takeaways from Hard Knocks episode 2

2. Darius Bradwell’s uphill battle to make the LA Chargers roster

Former Tulane running back Darius Bradwell had a spotlight shined on him in this episode, for better and worse. Lynn was impressed with some of the athletic abilities, but he also said that Bradwell needs to be in better physical shape. As an undrafted free agent, he came into camp at about 253 pounds, which is less than desirable for a running back of his size.

The Chargers are likely to only carry three running backs while many of the others fight to be on the practice squad. When they already have Ekeler, Justin Jackson, and Joshua Kelley, it’s difficult to be that fourth or fifth running back. It’s a steep uphill battle that’s almost impossible in terms of actually making the roster.

A goal for Bradwell should be making the practice squad, but even that’s difficult when remembering that Derrick Gore is yet another talented running back on the 80 man roster. The Chargers probably aren’t loading up their 2020 practice squad with just running backs, unfortunately for Bradwell.

A lot of undrafted free agents don’t have game-breaking athleticism or size, which is why it’s important for all of them to hone in discipline and being perfect on the practice field. At the same time, the situation is a little different for rookie players.

Bradwell, like all of the other Chargers’ rookies, is holed up in a hotel for training camp. Normally it would be like that for everyone on the team, but it’s different this year with the pandemic.

We did see some work that Bradwell put in with strength and conditioning coach John Lott. Hopefully, hard work can pay off for him and the other undrafted free agents, even with no preseason.