We're finally rounding into the second half of the offseason. The Los Angeles Chargers' OTAs begin on May 26, and we'll finally get to see many of the players (including perhaps Justin Herbert) in full action.
There's already been practices this offseason that have been open to the media. But OTAs is where the work really starts, and players who are fighting for their roster spots can begin to leave their marks.
Of course, everyone will be looking at the most exciting rookies. Akheem Mesidor will get a ton of eyes, as will Jake Slaughter as he competes with Trevor Penning for starting left guard responsibilities.
But one UDFA, inside linebacker Lander Barton out of Utah, is still a relatively unknown name on the Chargers' depth chart. If he impresses the coaching staff, though, he still has a chance to make some waves during this year's offseason program.
Lander Barton has the potential to crack the Chargers' roster with a strong performance this offseason
Isaiah World and Nadame Tucker are the two 'flashiest' names in this UDFA class for Los Angeles. World has the size and the pedigree to be a major force at offensive tackle if he can successfully rehab his ACL injury. Tucker, meanwhile, has a productive pass-rushing history with new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary.
But Barton's resumé might surpass both of those players'. During his senior season at Utah, Barton was one of college's most productive inside linebackers, posting 55 combined tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss across 13 games. He lacks some of the short-area quickness you'd like to see in a budding run-fitter, but he has the pedigree and the athleticism to at least compete for a depth role almost immediately.
It will still be an uphill battle for Barton to make the roster. Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman are locked in as the starters at inside linebacker. Troy Dye, whom the Chargers added in free agency prior to the 2024 season, saw a major increase in his role last year. He played 49% of the team's defensive snaps after seeing a share of just 29% in 2024. There's also room for Marlowe Wax and Junior Colson to grow after receiving just 4% and 32%, respectively, of the team's defensive snaps last season.
But that room is far from set, especially if Barton can outperform players like Wax and Colson during OTAs from a standpoint of physicality. At the very least, Barton might be able to carve out a special teams role if Los Angeles expects Wax to take on more defensive duties.
Either way, his name will be one to watch as the Chargers begin their OTAs this week.
Add us as a preferred source on Google