LA Chargers fans got their first look at the new faces joining the team during Chargers rookie camp this past weekend. While access is much less limited compared to training camp, there are still several takeaways and standouts to remember as the calendar turns to the summer.
Throughout the entire process, Jim Harbaugh has not been shy about the UDFAs he is the most excited about. Harbaugh shared some insights throughout rookie minicamp, some of which reveal the UDFAs who may have the best chance of making the roster.
Harbaugh specifically took time to praise former Iowa State tight end Stevo Klotz. While praising Klotz, Harbaugh shared his envisioned role for the tight end, which says a lot about his chances of making the roster (h/t Daniel Popper, The Athletic).
" Harbaugh said he believes Klotz has a chance to be an 'above-average core special teams' player."
Stevo Klotz has a good chance of making the Chargers roster after Jim Harbaugh's comments
This may not seem like that big of a deal as special teams players often get forgotten about among casual fans. However, for a UDFA, special teams snaps often serve as the gateway to make a roster and eventually have a bigger role.
The backend of every NFL roster is always made up of players who can have an impact on special teams. More times than not, this special teams impact is often the tiebreaker. A player could have a slightly higher ceiling on offense or defense but will lose that backend roster spot to someone who can impact special teams every single time.
Harbaugh lauding Klotz's potential as a core special teams player is outstanding for his long-term Chargers future. It doesn't guarantee he will make the roster, but it reveals that he already is a step ahead in the eyes of his head coach.
It also helps that tight end is fairly thin for the Chargers. Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Oronde Gadsden II and Tucker Fisk are the first four tight ends on the depth chart. Klotz isn't going to usurp any of the top three, but that fourth spot is up for grabs.
Fisk got playing time out of necessity last season but his spot on the Chargers is not guaranteed. Fisk will lose his roster spot if there is a younger tight end who has a bigger impact on special teams. Klotz could be that player.
Klotz has to wait a few months to continue his pursuit of a spot on the Chargers' 53-man roster. Once training camp begins, keep an eye on the former Iowa State tight end.