San Diego Chargers: Undrafted free agents have potential
Oct 11, 2014; DeKalb, IL, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Titus Davis (84) makes a catch against Northern Illinois Huskies cornerback Paris Logan (29) during the third quarter at Huskie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
According to Henne:
WR Tyrell Williams – Western Oregon
A big target at 6-4, 200-pounds, the wideout dominated the competition to the tune of 56 receptions for 950 yards and eight touchdowns.
WR Demetrious Wilson – Arkansas
An Arkansas wide receiver is part of San Diego’s undrafted free agent class for the second straight year, following in the footsteps of Javontee Herndon. The 6-3, 198-pound Wilson battled injuries, but still caught 26 passes for 220 yards and one score in 2014.
WR Titus Davis – Central Michigan
The Bolts struck gold with an undrafted Chippewa two years ago in Jahleel Addae. They now add his former teammate at CMU, who is a smooth route runner and touchdown machine. The 6-1, 196 pound Davis holds the NCAA FBS record with eight or more receiving touchdowns in all four seasons. He also set school records with 3,700 career receiving yards and 37 career receiving touchdowns.
TE Brian Parker – Albany
Parker was an All-CAA selection as a senior after catching 39 passes for 500 yards and five touchdowns.
TE Eric Frohnapfel – Marshall
This year’s recipient of the Chad Pennington Award as “offensive player who gives his all on and off the field,” Frohnapfel is a big target at 6-7, 235 pounds. He appeared in all 53 games over four seasons, totaling 66 catches for 712 yards and 10 TDs.
What the picks bring to the table:
After the 2014 season was done, the Chargers were in a need of a breakout receiver considering Eddie Royal would be entering free agency (and wound up signing with the Chicago Bears). Initially, I thought the Chargers would take a receiver somewhere in the draft. But as free agency rolled around, the Chargers went out and signed Jacoby Jones, Austin Pettis and Stevie Johnson to join the already stacked receiving corps of Keenan Allen, Dontrelle Inman and Malcom Floyd.
As it stands, the Chargers have a pretty stacked receiving corps. But, it never hurts to have depth in case that Keenan Allen goes down due to injury. There is some upside in WR Titus Davis out of Central Michigan who was able to do amazing things as a Chippewa. He may not be the biggest of receivers, but he has outstanding body control with fluid hips and shoulders.
As well, Marshall’s Eric Frohnapfel could make a spot on the team, but it will be hard. The Chargers already have so many tight ends as it is. Perhaps he could make the squad as a receiving tight end to rival Antonio Gates in the future.
Like the running back situation, the majority of these wide receivers and tight ends will probably be subjugated to the practice squad or reserve list if they don’t show much promise. All in all though, these receivers all bring something to the table and will be evaluated as training camp commences.
Next: Offensive line gets three new additions