Surprise Chargers players who could win roster spot in training camp

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off training camp today, bringing about the first round of initial 53-man roster projections from media members and fans. Which players on the bubble, particularly those less discussed, could surprise and survive the first round of cuts?

UDFA IOL Willis Patrick (TCU)

Fans looking for a player who fits the "Harbaugh Guy" mold need to look no further than TCU undrafted free agent (UDFA) interior offensive lineman Willis Patrick.

Patrick is the kind of immovable refrigerator the Michigan Wolverines would field annually under Harbaugh. The 6'3", 319-lb guard worked his way from Division III's Angelo State and Division I's Jackson State all the way to starting at TCU in 2023, finishing his final college season with a stellar 99.1 pass blocking efficiency (PBE).

Should the Chargers keep 10 offensive linemen, Patrick would be a perfect long-term project to have on the roster to develop.

IDL Christopher Hinton

Hinton enters his third year in the NFL and as many years with the Chargers. Previously, Hinton was a key player on Michigan's defensive line, where he racked up 13 pressures, 24 tackles, and 18 stops his final season under Harbaugh. The 6'4", 305-lb defensive tackle is more of a tweener than the heavier nose tackles or lighter pass-rushing defensive tackles. The flexibility, as well as the familiarity with the coaching staff, are two points that could give Hinton an edge over other roster bubble players.

UDFA S Jalyn Phillips (Clemson)

The best UDFA defensive back the Chargers signed is Clemson safety Jalyn Phillips. A team-voted two-year captain, Phillips is everything the Chargers need in a box safety and slot defender.

TE Stone Smartt

Much of the discussion surrounding the Chargers' tight end room has been on players in front of or behind Stone Smartt on the depth chart. He's not quite a starter, nor is he a UDFA Chargers fans are turning to to make the roster. Still, Smartt deserves stronger consideration than he has been getting.

Smartt is only beginning his third year playing tight end after serving as Old Dominion's quarterback in college. Smartt played 151 snaps on special teams and caught 11 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown. Veteran tight end Hayden Hurst is the best pure pass catcher on the team, but Smartt could easily contend for next-best as an intriguing route-running slot option. If Smartt has a strong preseason and maintains his health where Donald Parham Jr. has struggled, it is very possible he makes the initial 53 as the third or fourth tight end.