The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books and the LA Chargers are going to welcome seven new players from the draft class to the 53-man roster this season. This draft was about building depth for the Bolts and that is exactly what the team did.
The drafted rookies may not be the only ones that make the 53-man roster, though. Undrafted free agents (UDFAs) are one of the most important parts about training camp. Naturally, there is at least 1-2 UDFA that jumps off the page and ends up earning a roster spot.
Los Angeles signed 18 UDFAs shortly after the draft. Some of them have a better chance than others to make the roster. In no particular order, let's break those candidates down.
#Chargers UDFAs pic.twitter.com/POhgzrDGoj
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) April 30, 2023
5 Chargers UDFAs with the best chance of making the 53-man roster:
WR Pokey Wilson
Pokey Wilson's numbers are not going to jump off the page from his time with Florida State (because of his quarterback play) but his highlight reel catches certainly will. This is a man who can make a contested catch and that alone is going to turn some heads during training camp.
Jordan Travis got something. DID NOT FLINCH in the pocket, took that hit and still air dropped a beauty on the money to Pokey Wilson who gets style points for the one hand touchdown. pic.twitter.com/0az4rA0xdW
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 5, 2022
It definitely is an uphill battle for Wilson, though, as the Chargers already have a wide receiver room that is six players deep. And that is assuming the Chargers actually run six receivers on the active roster instead of five like they have the last two years.
If Wilson really thrives in camp then there are going to be some tough decisions to make. Do the Chargers bet on him and cut Jaylen Guyton loose if his ACL is restricting his mobility? Or do they waive Wilson with the intention of making the practice squad?
The latter is definitely more likely but at the end of the day, Wilson still has a chance to make the 53-man roster this season.