2025 NFL Draft: Rocket Sanders signs undrafted free agent deal with Los Angeles Chargers

A staple in the SEC over the year, Raheim Sanders is making his way to the NFL. Sanders is signing a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, per Mike Uva of Gamecock Central.

Sanders played high school football at Rockledge (FL), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 407 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Arkansas was the team to win out in his initial recruitment. Three seasons in Fayetteville were full of success, specifically in 2022. Sanders ran for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. An injury in 2023 kept the running back limited, playing in just six games.

Even so, Sanders was quite a popular name coming out of the NCAA transfer portal. South Carolina was the ultimate winner and enjoyed a nice season from him. Twelve games in a Gamecock uniform resulted in 881 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns on 183 carries.

The Gamecocks found a ton of success, as a team, with Sanders on the roster. Everyone is now hoping the same can be true heading into the NFL.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Raheim Sanders

Sanders received a full scouting report from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein ahead of the draft. The South Carolina product received a prospect score of 5.99 as Zierlein projects him to be an “average backup or special teamer.”

No player comparison was provided by Zierlein. However, he projected Sanders to be picked somewhere between the fifth and sixth round following the evaluation.

“When healthy, Sanders has been a productive three-down back at two SEC spots,” Zierlein said. “He’s a big rusher with pop behind his pads. He runs with timing and tempo as a one-cut runner. He creates yards with vision and cut quickness, but he can fall into the trap of trying to be a hero instead of taking yards that are there and moving on.

“His speed won’t prohibit him from outside runs, but his living will be made inside the tackles. He’s rarely stopped on “gotta have it” downs and is capable out of the backfield. Fumbles and inconsistent pass protection might land him in the doghouse, but he has the size and talent to become a committee runner.”