Ryan Ficken's voice matters in Los Angeles Chargers roster construction

The Los Angeles Chargers trimmed their roster to 53 yesterday, giving head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz their first official look at what the team will be in 2024. A handful of the moves surprised fans and media members alike, particularly with the retention of tight end Stone Smartt over tight end Donald Parham Jr. and keeping Simi Fehoko to bring them to seven wide receivers.

The truth is: This should not have been a surprise to those paying attention, because special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken has a say in roster construction and game day activations.

This has been apparent as early as 2022, when Ficken opted to have rookie undrafted free agent safety Raheem Layne active over third-round selection JT Woods because the former could contribute on special teams. The same was true with the inactivation of fourth-round selection Isaiah Spiller in favor of others who could cover kicks and punts. Simply put: Players on the back end of the roster must play special teams. If not, they may be inactive or off the roster entirely.

Fehoko may have made the roster off his performance on offense alone, as the former fifth-round pick led all NFL wideouts in receiving yards this preseason. His work on special teams only secured that initial spot:

The surprise for many was Smartt over Parham Jr., as the latter has the potential to be a great yards after catch and red zone weapon. What most missed: Parham Jr. has never played a single special teams snap in his career. Smartt, on the other hand, played the most special teams snaps of any Chargers tight end last year by far. In fact, the only other offensive player who played more special teams snaps was returner Derius Davis. With Parham Jr. unable to consistently stay available and not playing any special teams, the decision to project Smartt over him was easy.

Keep an eye on game-day activations, inactives, and elevations this year. Do not be surprised if Fehoko is active over seventh-round selection Brenden Rice. Should injuries hit the safety room this year, look for practice squad players like UDFA DB Thomas Harper or veteran corner Matt Hankins (should they make the practice squad) to be elevated and active over Woods. Ficken is one of the best coaches in the NFL and Harbaugh knows it. With that trust comes a small bit of power, something Ficken will wield to continue fielding one of the best special teams units in football.