As important as minicamp is for teams as a whole to prepare for the incoming preseason, it's even more important for undrafted free agents who are looking to make a roster. Several LA Chargers UDFAs took the bull by the horns and made the most of minicamp last week, including tight end Stevo Klotz.
Klotz was one of 18 players who signed with the Chargers following the 2025 NFL Draft and he was instantly one of the most compelling. Tight end is one of the weakest positions on the Chargers' roster, giving the former Iowa State weapon a runway to make the roster as a result.
It appears that Klotz is making the most of this runway and is cementing himself as a name to watch during training camp and the preseason. Chargers tight end coach Andy Bischoff had nothing but fantastic things to say about the UDFA, which bodes well for his roster chances.
Chargers TEs coach Andy Bischoff on Stevo Klotz: "He can be a Y, F, or fullback...He has tremendous special teams value."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) June 16, 2025
Bischoff says Klotz is someone who will pop more when the pads come on.
Stevo Klotz's roster chances grow after praise from Chargers' TE coach
This is exactly the kind of thing a position coach says as foreshadowing to a player making the roster. Of course, Klotz has to go out and actually prove his coach right but he is in a great spot to fight for the 53-man roster.
This also isn't the first time Klotz's name has been mentioned during the team's offseason workouts. Klotz was circled as one of the biggest standouts of OTAs by Chargers beat reporter Daniel Popper.
The top three tight ends on the Chargers depth chart are locked in stone. Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly and Oronde Gadsden II (in no particular order) are going to get the majority of the offensive snaps at tight end.
However, there is still room for a fourth tight end. Tucker Fisk is the current favorite to be the fourth tight end but he is by no means a lock to make the roster. He absolutely could be cut if the right replacement comes along and that replacement may be Klotz.
The most important part of Bischoff's quote is the "tremendous special teams value" that he is alludes to. That is the single most important trait for a fourth-string tight end who is only going to play on special teams early on.
If Klotz can prove his coach right and shine on special teams then it will be impossible for the Chargers to deny him a roster spot. Fisk is a fine special teams player, but there is absolutely room to grow in that fourth tight-end position.
At the very least, Klotz is already making a big enough impression to secure a spot on the Chargers practice squad.