Chargers UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Karsen Barnhart

The Los Angeles Chargers signed one of the bigger undrafted free agent classes in the league after the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager Joe Horitz initially agreed to terms with a sizable 21 UDFAs. Former Michigan interior offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart was Horitz’s standout signing. Barnhart possesses a terrific opportunity to compete for a 53-man roster spot throughout training camp and the preseason.

There’s an obvious connection between Barhart and new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh coached the offensive lineman native for the previous five seasons (2019-23) at Michigan. Barnhart became the third former Wolverine to join the Chargers via the draft after they selected Junior Colson and Cornelius Johnson. The existing relationship gives the versatile blocker a leg-up in his efforts to make the team.

Horitz signed Barnhart to a contract that contains $115,000 in total guarantees according to Sportac. That makes Barnhart the highest-paid undrafted free agent on the Chargers. It increases his chances of making the final roster.

Furthermore, the Chargers did not draft a single interior offensive lineman despite making nine total selections. Barnhart was just one of three guards signed among the 21 UDFAs. Some of the tackles added may be cross-trained inside, but one of those players has already been released (Tyler Smith).

Barnhart received an invite to the NFL Combine after helping Michigan win this year’s National Championship. He maximized that opportunity by displaying athleticism. Barnhart had a 29.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-3 broad jump while also running a 1.76 10-yard split en route to capturing an impressive 9.13 Relative Athletic Score.

Several teams showed interest in Barnhart throughout the pre-draft process. After making 31 career starts at four different positions at Michigan, Barnhart met with the Rams and Ravens before his pro day. The Seahawks and Giants met with him during the showcase, and the Lions hosted him at their local workout. The Chargers defeated several contenders for his signature.

And Barnhart has already begun climbing the Chargers' depth chart. He received reps as the second-team right-guard during OTAs according to The Athletic. It's unusual for an undrafted free agent to quickly work with the second-team offense. It signals Harbaugh's comfort level with Barnhart's game.

The Chargers are deep on the offensive line. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt will form a bookend duo at tackle. Zion Johnson is the left guard, and veteran free-agent signing Bradley Bozeman is the center. Former right tackle Trey Pipkins has kicked to right guard to make room for Alt. Jamaree Salyer will push Pipkins at right guard with both players being versatile enough to play tackle and guard.

Those six offensive linemen are guaranteed to make the 53-man roster, and fellow interior linemen Brenden Jaimes and Jordan McFadden are probably locks as well after working with the second-team offense earlier this offseason. That brings the total count to eight. Barnhart should compete with backup left tackle Foster Sarrell and the other back-end roster players for the ninth and 10th spots. I foresee Harbaugh keeping 10 offensive linemen, which would be great news for Barnhart.

Barnhart’s versatility to play multiple positions is a desirable trait in backup offensive linemen. His familiarity with Harbaugh and the offensive system has him already climbing the depth chart ahead of training camp. Barnhart will make the Chargers’ 53-man roster.