April 27, 2024
The Chargers selected Vidal in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 181st overall.
ANALYSISAfter a litany of RBs went off the board in both the fourth and fifth round, Vidal represents one of the few remaining backs capable of carving out a sizable role in an offense, and he couldn't have landed in a better situation than Los Angeles. While both
Gus Edwards and
J.K. Dobbins (knee), if healthy, form a reliable duo, Vidal was a true workhorse for Troy over the past three seasons, registering 3,494 rushing yards including a Sun Belt-leading 1,661 last season. At 5-foot-8, 213 pounds, Vidal's stout frame and supreme balance mask what was a fine, but not stellar, 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The 22-year-old doesn't have the prospect profile of someone like
Isaiah Spiller, but it'd be a surprise at this point if Vidal doesn't at minimum push for one of the final roster spots, and possibly replace the disappointing 2022 fourth-rounder Spiller down the road.