Underrated Rookies Who Could Shine For Los Angeles Chargers Against The Rams

R.J. Mickens (6’0, 210 lbs), the 6th round pick from this April, has been a steady presence throughout training camp.

With defensive coordinator Jessie Minter’s scheme revolving around the use of multiple safeties on the field at once, Mickens will undoubtedly see action during the regular season.

He gave further reassurance after his performance against the New Orleans Saints, as he was the 4th highest graded rookie during week 1 of the preseason with a 93.0 overall grade.

He is an exceptional tackler who has a deep understanding of tackling angles. This was shown in both preseason games so far, as he had an open field tackle against Lions RB Craig Reynolds (5’11, 216 lbs), and finished 3rd on the team with 6 tackles against the Saints.

PFF backs up his tackling prowess, as he led all safeties across the league with an 85.7 tackling grade.

It remains to be seen if he can secure a spot in the starting safety rotation, but if he continues to play at this level, it will give the coaching staff the confidence to roll him out on Sundays.

Raheim “Rocket” Sanders | RB | #35

After being sidelined with an injury for the bulk of the first part of training camp and the HOF game, Rocket Sanders (6’0, 230 lbs) finally showed why the Chargers and head coach Jim Harbaugh were so ecstatic to sign him as an undrafted free agent.

Against the Saints, he had a phenomenal day with 42 rushing yards on 10 carries and 1 TD on the ground, while also adding 1 catch for 11 receiving yards.

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At 4.2 yards a carry, Sanders was efficient with his opportunities. His blend of patience and explosiveness stood out, especially on his 11-yard TD run, where he drew the safety down into the box before bouncing the run out wide and beating the defender to the pylon.

With growing concerns that Najee Harris (6’1, 242 lbs) could be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP) to start the season, it allows Sanders to push for the RB2 change of pace role that is still wide open.

Marlowe Wax | LB | #58

UDFA linebacker Marlowe Wax out of Syracuse (6’1 236 lbs) should also be a player to watch, as he’s been mentioned in press conferences by Chargers DC Jessie Minter.

He was everywhere against the Saints this past week, leading the team in tackles with 9, including 1 sack. He’s also been heavily involved on special teams as a core 4 special teamer.

What stands out is his hustle play to be near the ball despite not being involved on nearly every snap, and his ability to be vocal and communicate with teammates.

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There’s an outside chance he pushes free agent addition LB Del’Shawn Phillips (6’2 230 lbs), who has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp, as he is the cheaper option if the Chargers do opt to go that route.

However, with Philips’ experience, having played the most special team snaps in 3 of the past 4 years on the teams he’s been on, Wax will likely be a practice squad lock.

With the final two preseason games coming up, it will be interesting to continue monitoring how each of these players performs and make a case to be kept on the final roster.

If you want to read up on players who have been previously highlighted for preseason games, you can find them here.

Comment your thoughts below, Bolt Fam!