Branden Oliver

Oliver was set to take on more of a role within the offense last season before tearing his ACL in the preseason. Having re-signed with the Chargers this offseason, the 26-year-old will look to pick up where he left off, with the added benefit that Danny Woodhead left for the Ravens. Andre Williams, Kenneth Farrow and Kenjon Barner were all cut at the end of the preseason, leaving Oliver and undrafted rookie Austin Ekeler to round out the depth chart behind Melvin Gordon. The Chargers may still add more backfield talent, but Olivers should be locked in as the top backup to Gordon.

Despite going undrafted in 2014, Oliver quickly earned a significant role in the San Diego backfield, with injuries higher up on the depth chart allowing him to reach double-digit carries nine times as a rookie. Though he stands just 5-7 and is more than capable as a receiver, Oliver shouldn't be mistaken for a typical scat back, as he actually carries around 205-210 pounds on that small frame. He isn't particularly fast (4.63 40) and has produced just 3.6 YPC for his career, but his versatility makes him a good fit for a San Diego offense that needs someone to serve as the backup for both Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead's roles. Alas, an Achilles' injury Oliver sustained in August landed him on IR.

An undrafted free agent who didn't even receive a combine invite after his college career was over, Oliver got a chance to start last year for the Chargers after every other back they had on the roster got hurt and erupted for back-to-back 100-plus yard rushing games in Weeks 5 and 6. A 5-8 sparkplug whose legs never seem to stop churning, Oliver's lack of speed or burst caused scouts to dismiss him, and he's not going to run around or away from many defenders, but he can pick his way through the line of scrimmage using plus vision and balance, has solid receiving skills, and his low center of gravity and relentless motor allow him to bang through contact on a regular basis. He did seem to wear down towards the end of his rookie season, something an offseason of conditioning work can fix, but San Diego's selection of Melvin Gordon in the first round of the draft puts Oliver firmly back on the bench, where he'll compete with holdovers Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown for snaps.