Don't sleep on Isaiah Spiller having a rebound season in 2024

The Los Angeles Chargers continue signing players in this 2024 free agency period. For instance, former Titans CB Kristian Fulton's signing became official on Thursday. Cornerback was one of the weaknesses on last season.

Speaking of weaknesses, free agent running back J.K. Dobbins visited the Chargers after being cleared to play. Chargers fans are divided on whether or not to sign Dobbins. Though he had great moments in Baltimore, he was out for the last three years due to injuries.

On the other hand, there is an RB on the current roster who could very well have his breakthrough year, regardless of whether Dobbins signs with LA or not. This is former Texas A&M Isaiah Spiller, who was drafted by the Chargers in the 4th round of the 2022 Draft. However, he barely played under the Brandon Staley regime.

Isaiah Spiller's first two years in the NFL

The fans and media liked the Spiller pick after shining in college. NFL Network's Taylor Bisciotti "loved" the idea of pairing him with Ekeler. Even Derwin James posted on X : "I already know how you coming."

However, Spiller barely had any carries, and Brandon Staley said he “needed to earn it more in practice.” Spiller only has 137 yards on 55 career carries, a mediocre 2.5 yards per attempt. However, he has only partaken of 14 games, and averages 3.9 carries per game. As a matter of fact, even interim HC Giff Smith didn't activate him for the last game of 2023, even when the Chargers were out of playoff contention.

I have noticed Spiller's hunger and aggressiveness while watching Chargers games. He never gives up. His "enthusiasm" could catch Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman's attention, and he could complement the Chargers' running and passing game.

Isaiah Spiller could compete for an RB2 position on the Chargers

We have to go back to Spiller's college years to evaluate his potential. In fact, he was honored every year in the SEC. He was part of the All-Freshman SEC team in 2019, All-SEC first team in 2020 and All-SEC second team in 2021. On the other hand, he had 946 rushing yards in 2019, and surpassed 1,000 yards next two seasons.

He is also physical. You can see how he took down a Florida defender and then scored a TD in the following X post.

After Gus Edwards' signing, and Dobbins potentially landing in free agency, Isaiah Spiller is being ignored. Many fans assume he'll have a similar involvement in 2024. However, considering Greg Roman's affinity for the running game, Spiller could get more carries and complement the offense. Strong and hard to bring down, he could be utilized in short-yardage situations. He could also block for QB Justin Herbert, recognizing Harbaugh's viewpoint that games are won in the trenches.

If Harbaugh and his staff only sign a RB via the draft–who would be selected in the later rounds–he should compete in training camp with Spiller to earn the RB2 position. It's time to know Isaiah Spiller's actual NFL talent.