In the game of football, one of the toughest decisions a team can make is to let go of a player who isn’t performing up to par. The Los Angeles Chargers have made such a decision as they gear up for the 2024 season. As training camp approaches, the spotlight is on undrafted free agents and former draft picks, with some players shining like diamonds in the rough while others struggle to prove their worth.
One player who finds himself on shaky ground is Chris Rumph II, a fourth-round selection from the 2021 draft. Hailing from Duke University, Rumph was touted as a pass-rushing specialist with a pedigree – his father was an NFL defensive line coach. Despite his skills on the field, Rumph’s draft profile raised concerns, from his physical attributes to his overall potential. With a less than stellar Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 5.11, Rumph faced an uphill battle from the start.
The hope was that Rumph, who entered the league at a relatively mature age of 23, would benefit from his father’s guidance and develop into a force to be reckoned with. However, as the seasons passed, it became clear that Rumph’s lack of size and strength were hindering his progress. While his technique was solid, Rumph struggled to hold his own against stronger opponents, leading to limited playing time and underwhelming stats.
One of the biggest setbacks in Rumph’s career came in 2023 when he suffered a foot injury before a game, further complicating his return to the field in 2024. With only three sacks to his name in over 300 pass-rushing snaps, Rumph’s future with the Chargers looks uncertain at best. Despite attempts to bulk up and improve his strength, Rumph failed to make significant progress, leaving the coaching staff with little choice but to consider other options.
As a new coaching regime takes the reins, the writing is on the wall for Rumph. With a high-priced pass rusher already on the roster, the Chargers have little room for a player who has yet to prove his value. While the possibility of a turnaround remains, it seems increasingly unlikely that Rumph will secure a spot on the 2024 roster. In a league where success is measured by performance and potential, Rumph’s time with the Chargers may be coming to an end sooner than expected.
