Charger Report

Chargers land one of 'best' undrafted free agents in 33-TD All-SEC playmaker

The Los Angeles Chargers move quickly in post-draft signings, scooping up a proven RB to push Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris.
Brian Letscher|
Nov 9, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Raheim Sanders (5) runs the ball.
Nov 9, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Raheim Sanders (5) runs the ball. | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Chargers GM Joe Hortiz and HC Jim Harbaugh are wasting no time continuing to bolster their running game as they quickly signed South Carolina RB Raheim "Rocket" Sanders as an undrafted free agent.

Listed at 6'0" 217, Sanders ran a speedy 4.46 forty-yard at the NFL combine. Starting as a true sophomore, Sanders led the team with 1,443 yards rushing and 10 scores as well as 28 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns. After an injury-plagued junior year, he came back in 2024 to again be named Second-Team All-SEC and Comeback Player of the Year as he rushed for 881 yards and 11 TD's.

"When healthy, Sanders has been a productive three-down back at two SEC spots. He’s a big rusher with pop behind his pads. He runs with timing and tempo as a one-cut runner. He creates yards with vision and cut quickness, but he can fall into the trap of trying to be a hero instead of taking yards that are there and moving on. His speed won’t prohibit him from outside runs, but his living will be made inside the tackles. He’s rarely stopped on “gotta have it” downs and is capable out of the backfield. Fumbles and inconsistent pass protection might land him in the doghouse, but he has the size and talent to become a committee runner." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Listed by The Athletic as one of the "best of the rest", Sanders looks to be an excellent signing that fits Harbaugh's love of running the football. Coming off two surgeries his junior season, it's possible the Chargers are getting a player set to be worth more that the undrafted free agent price.

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers' sign first UDFA -- a big-armed signal caller looking for a place to shine

Chargers' Jamaree Caldwell Grade Roundup: Did Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh miss?

Will Chargers' second-round pick of Tre Harris ruin reunion with Keenan Allen?

Chargers' first rounder Omarion Hampton puts immediate pressure on Najee Harris

Los Angeles Chargers grades for first rounder Omarion Hampton leave questions

Is Justin Herbert happy with Chargers' polarizing NFL draft pick?

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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