Chargers' 53-Man Roster Projection: Who Makes the Team?
Four weeks of training camp practices and three preseason games are now in the books. By Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. PT, NFL clubs must have their rosters cutdown to 53 players.
From observing each practice and preseason game of the Chargers, here's a projection on how I see the 53-man roster shaping up:
Offense
Quarterbacks (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick
The question here in the quarterback department is whether or not it's worth carrying a third signal-caller on the roster over a depth player at another position. General manager Tom Telesco confirmed during the Week 2 preseason game broadcast that they'll keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.
Running backs (4): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree III
The Chargers are still hoping for one of the ball-carriers behind Ekeler to step up as a bonafide No. 2 rusher. Training camp and preseason play have shown encouraging signs from Kelley and Spiller, but even they need to show it on a more consistent basis. Kelley looks to lead the pack as the primary backup, but with doubt still hanging over the team on who will ultimately emerge as the second-string running back over the course of the full season, I see them keeping four on the roster.
Fullbacks (1): Zander Horvath
Horvath has taken most of the snaps with the first-team offense over the last two weeks of training camp. It seems pretty clear he's beaten out Gabe Nabers for the fullback job.
Wide Receivers (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, Jalen Guyton, DeAndre Carter
The wide receiver core is probably the strongest position group on the roster. With two 1,000-yard pass-catchers paired with Palmer, a second-year player who's expected to progress another step forward and the speed of Guyton and Carter, the Chargers are in good hands. Michael Bandy has proven to be worthy of an NFL roster spot, but based on the internal options that Chargers already have, he’s the odd man out.
Tight ends (3): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham Jr., Tre’ McKitty
The decision to keep three or four tight ends is a valid one. Hunter Kampmoyer has delivered a strong training camp, but has it been enough to convince the coaching staff that there's value in keeping a fourth tight end? A lot will likely hinge on just how serious Parham's hamstring injury is, but I see them rolling with just three.
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins III, Storm Norton, Jamaree Salyer, Will Clapp, Brenden Jaimes
The Chargers starting offensive line is set. Pipkins looks to have won the right tackle job based on him taking all the first-team reps at practice this week, and receiving the start in the final preseason game, while Norton lines up on the left side.
Defense
Defensive line (6): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Jerry Tillery, Breiden Fehoko
The defensive line group is a crowded bunch. It really comes down to one spot for three players. Fehoko, Christian Covington and Joe Gaziano remain the final three. Fehoko has delivered the best camp and most notable impact in games, giving him the slight edge to secure the final spot among interior defensive lineman.
Edge (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Chris Rumph II, Jamal Davis II
The Chargers will run out Bosa and Mack at a high clip this season. Backing up the two star-studded pass rushers is Chris Rumph, who looks to have taken a considerable leap forward this offseason. Then comes the question: are the Chargers confident in just carrying three true edge players since Kyle Van Noy's versatility is also factored into the equation? I believe Davis has done enough to earn a spot on the team, but that doesn't go without saying, he's probably among the first to go if the Chargers claim someone externally and are forced to release a player from the 53-man roster.
Inside linebackers (5): Drue Tranquill, Kyle Van Noy, Kenneth Murray Jr., Troy Reeder, Nick Niemann
The Chargers inside linebacker group is taking shape now that Murray has returned to action following his recovery from offseason ankle surgery. I have them keeping five inside linebackers, but six is certainly possible. Amen Ogbongbemiga is definitely worthy of making an NFL roster, but I lean in favor of the Chargers not holding a sixth spot at this position, leaving him on the outside looking in.
Cornerback (5): J.C. Jackson, Asante Samuel Jr., Bryce Callahan, Michael Davis, Ja’Sir Taylor
The Chargers top four cornerbacks were steady locks to make the squad. That left one – possibly two spots left – for cornerbacks to emerge. Taylor has looked exceptional in camp, securing him a spot to round out the cornerback group. Brandon Sebastian, Deane Leonard and Kemon Hall could, perhaps, be the No. 6 cornerback if the team decides to keep an additional player. But at least one of the three figure to be singable to the practice squad, and Derwin James' versatility also provides another option to matchup in coverage.
Safety (5): Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods, Mark Webb Jr.
The question here among the safety group comes down to whether or not the staff is a believer that Webb can eventually put the injuries behind him. When healthy, he flashed in camp. But Webb is coming off an injury-plagued season last year and he's been nursing a soft tissue injury the last two weeks of camp. Ultimately, I think his coverage skills keep him on the roster, beating out Raheem Layne.
Special teams
Kicker (1): Dustin Hopkins
Punter (1): JK Scott
Long snapper (1): Josh Harris
The Chargers group of specialist looks to be improved from where things sat a season ago. They re-signed Hopkins, who beat out James McCourt in camp. For their punting efforts, they brought in Scott, who's hang time on punts has hovered just above league average. And to round out the group, Pro Bowl long snapper Josh Harris joins the unit, bringing in 10 years of experience.
More from Charger Report
- Chargers Drop Preseason Finale 27-10 to Saints
- Live In-Game Blog: Chargers vs. Saints Preseason Finale
- Chargers HC Brandon Staley Pleased With CB Ja'Sir Taylor's Development as Training Camp Comes to a Close
- 5 Things to Watch in the Chargers' Preseason Finale vs. Saints
- Chargers CB J.C. Jackson's Ankle Surgery to Fix Discomfort, Not a Structural Issue
Nick Cothrel is the publisher of Charger Report. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickCothrel for more Chargers coverage.
