Chargers take a flier on extreme speedster, sign Ohio State's Praise Olatoke

The LA Chargers followed through on a move that many saw coming as it was announced that the team signed veteran safety Tony Jefferson on Friday. As soon as it was reported that Jefferson was coming out of retirement it was obvious that he was going to sign with the Bolts.

To pair with a foreseen move the Chargers also brought in a surprising new player to officially bring the roster to 90 players. After working out with the team during minicamp, the Chargers have signed former Ohio State track star Praise Olatoke.

Olatoke, a UK-born Nigerian sprinter, is part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. Olatoke has not played professional nor collegiate football at the official level. He was, though, part of Ohio State's club football team.

Praise Olatoke brings insane speed to Chargers wide receiver room

As a former sprinter, the six-foot-two receiver's most intriguing trait is his speed. Olatoke previously ran a 10.29 100-meter dash during his senior year with Ohio State. To put that in NFL terms, DK Metcalf ran a 10.37 100-meter dash at the 2021 USATF Golden Games.

Speed alone is not going to get Olatoke a roster spot. However, the Chargers present a great opportunity for Olatoke as there is nothing guaranteed at the wide receiver position. Olatoke's best chance of eventually making an NFL roster is on a team where there is no clear hierachy in the receiver room, especially at the back end.

The chances of Olatoke actually making the roster in 2024 are extremely slim. However, if he impresses enough during training camp then it is not out of the realm of possibility for the Chargers to keep him around on the practice squad.

If that is the case then Olatoke could make his NFL debut in the not-so-distant future. All it will take is a handful of injuries on the 53-man roster and Olatoke to impress during practices. It is an uphill battle, sure, but it is one that Olatoke could overcome given the right circumstances.

With the signing of Olatoke the Chargers' roster is now at 90 players heading into summer break. There likely won't be any more moves during the summer as this is the group that the team will take into training camp in late July.