Every training camp turns up a player who forces his way into the conversation, and Devonte Ross has the kind of profile that can do exactly that for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The undrafted rookie wide receiver comes into camp with a steep climb ahead of him, but his college track record gives him a real shot to outplay where he landed in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ross started at Kentucky before finding his stride over three seasons at Troy, where he became one of the Sun Belt Conference’s most productive pass-catchers. His best year came in 2024, when he posted 76 catches for 1,043 yards and 11 touchdowns and earned First-Team All-Sun Belt recognition.
He then moved on to Penn State for his final season and held up against stronger competition. Ross finished that year with 36 receptions for 501 yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly 15 yards per catch. Just as important, he showed dependable hands, with only one drop all season, while still creating chunk plays after the catch.
That kind of production makes him a natural fit for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system. Ross has the speed to threaten defenses vertically, but he also brings the quickness to separate underneath and turn short throws into bigger gains. His ability to line up in multiple spots could help him find a lane while the Chargers sort through the back end of the receiver room.
There’s another route to a roster spot, too. Ross has handled both punt and kick returns in college, and that versatility matters for an undrafted player trying to stick. Special teams can be the difference between a practice squad look and a place on the 53-man roster.
Camp will give him the chance to show he can build timing with the Chargers’ quarterbacks and separate consistently from NFL-caliber defensive backs. At five-foot-nine, he doesn’t bring prototypical size, but his acceleration, route-running ability and explosiveness have carried him at every stop so far.
The Chargers already have established names at receiver, but there’s still room for a younger player to break through. Undrafted free agents do it every summer by stacking good practice reps and preseason flashes, and Ross has the skill set to make that kind of push.
If he can carry over his college production, keep making plays downfield and add value as a returner, Ross could end up being one of the summer’s biggest surprises. Getting to the initial 53-man roster won’t be simple, but the 23-year-old has the tools to turn heads and create a tough decision for the Chargers before the regular season arrives.
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