Eric D. Williams, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Texas Tech QB Nic Shimonek highlights undrafted rookie class

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Chargers have a deserved reputation around the league as a place that gives undrafted rookies a fair shot to make the active roster.

Last season, five undrafted rookies made the initial 53-man roster in running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Sean Culkin, kicker Younghoe Koo and linebackers James Onwualu and Nigel Harris.

Even though the Chargers did not draft a quarterback for a fifth straight year, they did sign an interesting developmental prospect in Texas Tech quarterback Nic Shimonek, who took over as the signal-caller for the Red Raiders after the Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes in the first round last year.

At 6-3 and 220 pounds, Shimonek completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 3,547 yards and 30 touchdowns, with just eight interceptions last season.

Shimonek was one of 21 undrafted rookies signed by the Chargers on Saturday after the draft. Here's the full list:

Tony Brown, Alabama, CB: A two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Brown finished with 31 tackles and two pass breakups as a senior.

BJ Clay, Georgia State, CB: At 6-foot and 190 pounds, Clay had his best season two years ago, leading the team with three interceptions and five pass breakups in 2016.

Zach Crabtree, Oklahoma State, OT: An All-Big 12 selection, Crabtree had 32 consecutive starts before missing a game due to injury last season.

Chris Durant, William & Mary, OT: Durant started four years at left tackle and is a three-time, All-Colonial Athletic Association selection.

Marcus Edmond, Clemson, CB: Edmond finished with an interception and three pass breakups in 37 games for the Tigers, including three starts.

Brandon Facyson, Virginia Tech, CB: Facyson made 47 starts over his career with the Hokies, totaling five interceptions and 44 pass breakups.

Zack Golditch, Colorado State, OL: A first-team All-Mountain West selection, Golditch made 38 starts over his career at Colorado State.

Albert Havili, Eastern Washington, DE: Finished with 199 tackles, 12 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss during his career for the Eagles.

D'Juan Hines, Houston, LB: Hines led the Cougars in tackles with 110, and also recorded three forced fumbles.

Cole Hunt, TCU, TE: Hunt played in 25 games with 17 starts at TCU as a blocking tight end, totaling 12 catches for 124 receiving yards.

Bijohn Jackson, Arkansas, DT: Jackson started 12 games his senior year, finishing with 22 tackles.

Ben Johnson, Kansas, TE: Johnson totaled 30 catches for 363 receiving yards as a senior in 2017.

JJ Jones, West Georgia, WR: Jones totaled 24 catches for 278 receiving yards and two touchdowns his senior season last year.

Tevin Lawson, Nicholls State, DL: Lawson finished with 25 tackles last season in 12 games played, including seven starts.

Anthony Manzo-Lewis, FB/TE, Albany: A second-team, All-CAA selection after totaling 20 catches for 188 yards.

Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, RB: Newsome set a school record with 6,969 all-purpose yards.

Steven Richardson, Minnesota, DT: Richardson totaled 23 tackles and one forced fumble his senior season.

Trent Scott, Grambling State, OG: At 6-5 and 320 pounds, Scott only allowed three sacks his entire college career at Grambling State.

Kent Shelby, McNeese State, WR: Shelby finished with 48 catches for 625 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season.

Nic Shimonek, Texas Tech, QB: Shimonek helped lead the Red Raiders to the Birmingham Bowl in his only season in college as a starter.

Shane Tripucka, Texas A&M, P: He averaged 46.1 yards per punt last season, which ranks fifth all-time in school history.

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