The Los Angeles Chargers signed a toolsy pass rusher that the rest of the NFL forgot to draft in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Los Angeles Chargers may have just found a massive steal following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. The pass rush unit gets a boost.
The Los Angeles Chargers just put together a solid overall haul in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz found some interesting value throughout the three days and seven rounds. That hunt for value didn’t stop after the event ended.
After the draft, the Chargers were able to sign Western Michigan pass rusher Nadame Tucker as an undrafted free agent. While there are some holes in Tucker’s game, he has some interesting upside as an outside pass rusher who can get after the quarterback. That is something that is very valuable around the NFL.
Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack are the assumed starters in 2026, while Akheem Mesidor and Bud Dupree will serve as the top backups. It’ll be interesting to see if Tucker is able to find a role in that group while playing special teams.
Nadame Tucker’s scouting report
From a traits perspective, Tucker is pretty middling for NFL standards. He lacks the overall size and length that the NFL typically covets. His explosiveness is also solid, but nothing spectacular. That athletic profile, on top of his age, does beg the question of what the overall ceiling could be for Tucker.
What makes Tucker unique is that he has some of the very best hands in the entire class. He understands timing and location for his punch, on top of using his hand nuance as a pass rusher. Add in a deep bag of pass rush moves, and Tucker has some real value as a player who could eventually become a designated pass rush specialist for a defense.
Nadame Tucker’s career background
Tucker has had quite a football journey up until this point. A native of New York City, Tucker had to go the JUCO route coming out of high school, landing at Hutchinson Community College. He eventually earned an opportunity with the Houston Cougars in the 2022 class, selecting them over offers from Arizona State, Kansas, Memphis, ECU, Arkansas State, North Texas, Temple, UTSA, Ball State, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, UMass, Louisiana-Monroe, Utah State, Western Kentucky, and Incarnate Word.
In his three years with Houston, Tucker failed to make an impact. During that stretch, he managed to collect just 10 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. With one year of eligibility remaining, the talented pass rusher opted for the transfer portal. Tucker ended up at Western Michigan, where he put together a breakout season.
In 13 games with the Broncos, Tucker put together an outstanding campaign. He collected 55 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a pass breakup. With limited experience over the last couple of years, Tucker is the rare older prospect who could still have legitimate developmental upside.