Chargers UDFA Thomas Harper has proven himself worthy of a roster spot

Notre Dame undrafted free agent (UDFA) Thomas Harper should make the Los Angeles Chargers' initial-53 man roster as team's fourth safety.

Harper, who consistently flashed in training camp, has put together two solid preseason performances as a do-it-all safety and special teams contributor. He is currently the team's highest-graded defensive back (77.0), racking up two pressures, one sack, three tackles, two run stops, and one pass breakup in just 40 defensive snaps. He is also the only Chargers player to have more than one special teams tackle.

Harper has been more productive than JT Woods, Tony Jefferson, and Akeem Dent, the three other safeties competing with him for a roster spot. He has as much athletic upside as any of them, boasting above a 90th percentile speed and explosion score after impressive testing.

One intriguing wrinkle in all of this: The Chargers were reportedly open to reuniting with special teams ace Raheem Layne, who was set to be a significant contributor for them last year before he tore his ACL in October. Layne was once active over Woods because he could contribute on special teams. With him opting to sign with the New York Giants, could that mean Harper is the guy who could be active (if not make the roster) over Woods this year? Or, does the interest in Layne mean the Chargers are unhappy with every option after AJ Finley?

Woods has played more special teams snaps thus far (18 vs 16), but quietly has been relegated to outside corner duties this past week. In the second week of the preseason, Woods played 19 of his 28 defensive snaps on the outside while Harper played all 20 of his as a multi-purpose safety. Suddenly playing that much outside while other defensive backs play safety suggests time is up for the former third-round selection.

With one more strong showing, Harper could lock up the fourth safety spot. He has shown everything in camp and during games to suggest he is the right guy to fill out the safety room.