Chargers News: Late-Round Rookie Primed for Success
usatsi_23415700_168396005_lowres
The Los Angeles Chargers are banking on late-round rookie Kimani Vidal to make a significant impact this season. Despite the presence of veteran running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Vidal has shown promise during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center, according to CBS Sports' Brandon Howard.
"Under new coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are expected to be a run-first offense with a potentially dominant offensive line," said Howard. "That's good for any hard-nosed, downhill running back who plays for them, and it's precisely the kind of back Vidal is.
"At Troy, Vidal produced back-to-back seasons with over 1,250 total yards and 10-plus touchdowns, and was also a factor in the passing game (at least 18 grabs per season). He'll compete this preseason with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, both of whom are familiar with this offensive scheme going back to their days in Baltimore, but Edwards is 29 years old and Dobbins is coming back from another season-ending injury. It's not wrong to think that at some point this season Vidal will be the Chargers' lead RB."
As the Chargers look to bolster their running game, Vidal's development will be a storyline to watch. If he can translate his college success to the professional level, fantasy football owners could find themselves with a late-round steal.