The Los Angeles Chargers have been busy this offseason. With the front office reeling in a ton of talent, this team is arguably the best in the AFC West right now. It'll be interesting to watch the upcoming season unfold, as LA has the tools necessary to make a deep run in the playoffs. However, this franchise will need some help from the rookie prospects if they hope to win. We take a look at one undrafted free agent who will make the Chargers' 2022 roster.
This team is stacked offensively. Justin Herbert has a plethora of weapons around him as well as a stout offensive line. Meanwhile, the Chargers acquired Khalil Mack and JC Jackson who will vastly improve the defense. LA's roster is ready for the long haul, however, there is still a concern for the special teams unit.
Although the kicking game was decent last season, the Chargers could use an improvement in that area. Dustin Hopkins was brilliant within 40 yards in the previous year, going 19/19 within that range. However, he went 22/28 from 41 to 50 plus yards out. That's not ideal and he could lose the starting kicker job in the offseason, as Los Angeles acquired a prospect kicker to compete for the starting role.
With that said, here is our one undrafted free agent to make the Chargers' 2022 roster.
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Chargers Undrafted Free Agent To Make 2022 Roster
James McCourt
A kicker might not be the most exciting option for fans, however, they play an important role in football. With the rest of the roster stacked, the Chargers could use an upgrade from Dustin Hopkins. In comes James McCourt, who will have a chance to win the starting kicker role for the upcoming season.
McCourt has quite the resume coming out of Illinois. The rookie kicker proved to be reliable throughout his collegiate career, making the most 50+ yard field goals in program history with eight. Considering the Chargers struggled kicking long field goals, signing James McCourt makes tremendous sense, as he's a deep-ball specialist.
In addition to the long balls, McCourt proved to be reliable for the Fighting Illini. He also managed to record the sixth-most field goals in a single season with 18, while being one of the most accurate kickers in program history by hitting 72.2 percent of his attempts throughout his career. This is the exact type of player the Chargers needed on special teams, as James McCourt could be the missing piece to help Justin Herbert and the offense score more points.
It should be an interesting camp battle for the Chargers. Dustin Hopkins was reliable from close range but can't hit from long range. Meanwhile, James McCourt has the potential and talent to be a starter in the NFL, however, he must still prove himself as an undrafted free agent. This position battle will likely last most of training camp as Los Angeles must improve the kicking game.
If McCourt wins the job outright, then the Chargers might have a stud kicker on their hands. This offense is going to light up the scoreboard, however, if James McCourt can consistently hit from 50+ yards out, then LA is going to be tough to stop. Keep an eye on this franchise, as Los Angeles is primed t make a deep run in the playoffs with their magnificent roster.
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