The Chargers’ roster could still be better than it is now. We all knew going into the first year of the Jim Harbaugh era that 2024 was not going to be a competitive year like we’re used to. It was always clear that he would come in and rebuild the team along with new general manager Joe Hortiz. Part of that process is knowing which players are not a good fit and which ones could also bring in resources to further speed up the lengthy process.
In a new article from Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Ryan Fowler compiled a list of one player from each of the 32 NFL teams that he believes should be traded this preseason. For the Chargers, that player was former fourth-round pick Isaiah Spiller.
Spiller was an early third-day pick out of Texas A&M in 2022. He ran for over 1,000 yards multiple times in the SEC and was ranked by many analysts as the fourth-best running back in his class. However, Spiller’s time with the Chargers was lackluster to say the least. Despite having limited running back space behind Austin Ekeler over the last three years, Spiller never managed to truly break through and get significant playing time. At the same time, there wasn’t much room for anyone to run back there.
Regardless, Fowler believes Spiller is a prime candidate for a trade because he is still relatively young and had a respectable draft pick.
“In a crowded backfield led by JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Spiller has only occupied one spot in HC Jim Harbaugh’s pecking order at the ‘RB5’ position. The ever-present depth, including 2024 sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal, has made Spiller somewhat expendable as his skills overlap with other ball-carriers on the roster.”
“Given his youth and the fact that the Chargers spent a fourth-round pick on him, Spiller could have suitors elsewhere. Teams in need of a young running back with fresh legs could find Spiller attractive, especially if they operate behind a downhill, vertical running attack that matches his skill set.”
In two seasons with the Chargers, Spiller has rushed for just 137 yards on 55 total carries, an average of 2.5 yards per carry. He has also caught all nine passes aimed at him, gaining another 47 yards.
After graduating from A&M University, Spiller didn’t exactly perform well. He ran the 40 miles at a speed between 4.58 and 4.63, which would not be ideal for an NFL starter. His vertical jump of just 30 inches is also very disappointing and shows a less than explosive athlete.
Overall, his performance in the SEC spoke for itself, but at first glance, Spiller appeared physically underdeveloped at the NFL level. At least at this stage of his career, he needs a much better offensive line to keep him clean, as he doesn’t have the ability to make something out of nothing.
The Chargers seem more than well-positioned with Dobbins, Edwards, Vidal and Patterson at running back, which leads me to believe Spiller is a likely candidate for release. If the Chargers can get something for him in a trade between now and then, great. If not, it’s probably time for him to try to find a footing elsewhere.
