DEEP SLEEPER: Larry Roundtree, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler has the command of the backfield but the Chargers have run a two-back offense in seasons past. We will see what the offense looks like run by new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who has long been in the Saints organization in nine of the past 14 seasons over the course of two separate stints.
Lombardi adapts his offensive game plan to what his players can do so he doesn’t come with a set backfield of one back or two backs. All we know is that Ekeler is getting a majority of the touches.
Justin Jackson is slotted as the team’s RB2 but has never played more than 16 percent of the snaps on any given season for the Chargers. Additionally, Joshua Kelly, another mediocre back (who does not pick up the blitz well) selected by the Anthony Lynn regime could be cut if they don’t see anything promising in camp. Right now, Roundtree and Kelley are battling for that third spot.
Honestly, there’s not that much that prevents Roundtree from becoming the Chargers’ RB2. The rookie is already off to a good start in preseason and was a good runner at Missouri. What Roundtree isn’t known for is his pass-catching ability so if the Chargers want to roll the offense back to the days of Melvin Gordon and Ekeler, they can potentially do that with Roundtree and Ekeler.
