What are Chargers Getting with UDFA WR Devonte Ross?

The Los Angeles Chargers signed former Penn State wide receiver Devonte Ross as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft, adding competition to a young and crowded position group ahead of the team’s offseason program.

The 23-year-old Cartersville, GA native spent the first season of his college football career redshirting at Kentucky before transferring to Troy for the next three seasons. With the Trojans, Ross earned First-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2024 after posting 76 receptions for 1,043 yards (long of 98) and 11 touchdowns, along with nine carries for 35 rushing yards. He also posted a career-high 80.9 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus, along with an 81.9 receiving grade.

Across his three seasons at Troy, Ross totaled 129 receptions for 1,618 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also added 157 punt return yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts, along with 445 kick return yards on 24 returns during that span.

For his final collegiate season in 2025, Ross transferred to Penn State, hauling in 36 receptions for 501 yards (long of 75) and five touchdowns. He earned a 70.3 overall grade from PFF, which ranked 277th among 679 qualifying wide receivers, while his 71.6 receiving grade ranked 253rd at the position.

Ross averaged 14.9 yards per reception while recording 202 yards after the catch, showing his ability to create with the ball in his hands. He was charged with just one drop on the season and posted an average depth of target of 14.0 yards.

At the Nittany Lions Pro Day, Ross measured in at five-foot-nine and 162 pounds, running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, a 4.36-second shuttle and a 7.21-second three-cone drill, while also posting a 36-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-eight broad jump.

Ross fits naturally with the Chargers as a developmental prospect who brings legitimate big-play upside and added value on special teams. Despite his smaller frame, he consistently created explosive plays throughout his collegiate career, showcasing the ability to stretch defenses vertically and generate yards after the catch. His speed allows him to threaten defenses both underneath and down the field, giving Los Angeles another versatile option to develop in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system.

His special teams experience could also improve his chances of carving out an early role on the roster. Ross handled both punt and kick return duties throughout his college career, adding versatility that is valuable for reliable depth pieces capable of contributing in multiple phases. If he can translate his explosiveness and return ability to the next level, Ross could compete for a spot on the initial 53-man roster during the Bolts’ offseason program.