The Chargers are over a month away from the start of training camp, when position battles and players competing for spots on the 53-man roster will begin.
We have a good idea of the players who are locks to make it on the squad, and there will always be underdogs who make some noise and find themselves on the team.
With that being said, let’s take a crack at predicting what the roster could look like.
Quarterback (2)
Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
Herbert remains the undisputed starter and franchise quarterback. Lance has solidified his role as the reliable backup. The team may carry three in camp but will likely trim to two for the 53-man roster, designating DJ Uiagalelei as the emergency QB if needed.
Running back (3)
Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, Keaton Mitchell
Hampton is a clear lock as the lead back after a promising start to his career. Vidal showed flashes as a complementary piece. Mitchell adds speed and explosiveness. There could be a battle for a fourth spot, with special teams contributions likely tipping the scales.
Fullback (1)
Alec Ingold
Ingold provides blocking, familiarity and versatility in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
Wide receiver (6)
Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris, Quentin Johnston, Brenen Thompson, Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith
McConkey, Johnston and Harris form a solid trio. Davis is kept on this prediction due to his return ability. Thompson adds a vertical element and could also compete for the starting returner job. Lambert-Smith brings depth.
Tight end (3)
Oronde Gadsden II, Charlie Kolar, David Njoku
Gadsden provides downfield playmaking, complemented by Njoku’s veteran presence and receiving chops and Kolar’s elite run-blocking prowess.
Offensive line (10)
Rashawn Slater, Kayode Awosika, Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins, Travis Burke, Jake Slaughter, Trevor Penning, Logan Taylor
Of the ten offensive linemen, six are new members of the Chargers. Four starting spots appear to be set in stone, with left guard being up in the air. Awosika, Slaughter, and Penning will compete for the starting job.
Edge rusher (4)
Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Akheem Mesidor, Kyle Kennard
Mack and Tuipulotu are the starters, while Mesidor, the first-round pick, adds immediate punch and inside/out versatility. Bud Dupree is the odd man out. Undrafted rookie Nadame Tucker could push for a roster spot in training camp and the preseason.
Defensive tackle (5)
Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Nick Barrett
Anchored by Tart and Caldwell, the Chargers boast a stout, run-stopping interior. Veteran Dalvin Tomlinson was added this past offseason. Barrett also brings upside against the run. Eboigbe is an ascending player who could offer value as a pass rusher.
Linebacker (5)
Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Del’Shawn Phillips, Marlowe Wax
Henley leads the group. Perryman provides experience and run-stopping ability. Dye, Phillips and Wax excel on special teams. Junior Colson, who has struggled to get on the field, is on the outside looking in.
Cornerback (5)
Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Deane Leonard, Nikko Reed
Hart, Still and Jackson will be the starters, while Leonard and Reed will serve as depth.
Safety (6)
Derwin James, Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, R.J. Mickens, Genesis Smith, Kendall Williamson
With Derwin James primarily playing the Nickel role, it could open up a safety spot. Molden will be the other starter. There will be a competition for the third safety spot between Jefferson, Mickens and Smith. Williamson gets the last spot due to his special teams upside.
Specialist (3)
Cameron Dicker (K), J.K. Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)
No changes from last season.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Predicting Chargers 53-man roster ahead of training camp
About the Author
