The start of the NFL regular season is only a couple weeks away, and even less time to final roster cuts, when all teams will have to trim their lineup down to 53. They’ll also have to do it without the benefit of preseason games. The Los Angeles Chargers were one of three teams to have zero COVID-19 opt-outs – meaning that nothing drastic is changing on the roster projections compared to some other teams. Still, there have been some training camp battles to watch. It’s time to make a final 53-man projection for the Los Angeles Chargers roster.
Los Angeles Chargers Final Roster Projection
Quarterback
Tyrod Taylor, Justin Herbert, Easton Stick (3)
Obviously, Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert are the two main quarterbacks here. Taylor’s the expected Week 1 starter, but Herbert is the franchise quarterback of the future. One might think that wouldn’t leave much room for a third quarterback, especially given that Easton Stick hasn’t even taken a snap yet. However, in the age of COVID-19, it might not be the worst idea to have more than one backup at your most critical position. Stick has gotten a few first-team reps in training camp, so while he still might not ever see the field as a third-stringer, he should still make the team as an extra insurance policy.
Running Back
Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Gabe Nabers (FB), Derrick Gore (5)
There are three players here that are pretty much a given. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson were the guys to take over when Melvin Gordon held out last year, and while it’s unclear just who is going to be getting the most carries between them and the rookie Joshua Kelley, those three look to be the primary faces here. After that, it comes down to one of last year’s final roster cuts in Derrick Gore, and undrafted free agent Darius Bradwell – who showed up to training camp having gone from 235 to 253 pounds, which may ultimately sink him. You would think they wouldn’t have much need for Gore, but head coach Anthony Lynn loves his running backs and has had a history of keeping five on the roster (including the fullback).
Finally, we have a fullback battle between two undrafted free agents in Gabe Nabers and Bobby Holly. Right now, Nabers looks like a more sure bet – in part because he can also play long snapper, giving him more value.
Wide Receiver
Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, K.J. Hill, Joe Reed, Jalen Guyton, Darius Jennings (6)
There are four receivers here that are locks – the obvious starters Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and the rookies Joe Reed and K.J. Hill. After that, it’s actually a bit more of a hat toss as six guys fight over one or two spots. Based on training camp hype, Jalen Guyton looks to possibly have an edge right now. The team likes him for his breakaway speed, which neither Hill nor Reed can apparently provide to their satisfaction. Darius Jennings may just stick around as well for some special teams/kick return help.
Tight End
Hunter Henry, Virgil Green, Donald Parham (3)
Hunter Henry and Virgil Green returning as the primary starters are pretty clear – Henry’s the starter and Green’s the blocker. The lone competition is between former XFL player Donald Parham and Stephen Anderson. Parham, who is a ridiculous 6’8 in height, would seem to have the edge at least in pure athleticism and upside. He’s been able to block in training camp too – critical for making Lynn’s final roster.
Offensive Line
Mike Pouncey, Trai Turner, Bryan Bulaga, Dan Feeney, Trey Pipkins, Sam Tevi, Scott Quessenberry, Forrest Lamp, Storm Norton (9)
The clear cut starters here are Mike Pouncey at center, and Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga on the right side of the line. Dan Feeney will probably play left guard again as well. Left tackle is a battle right now between Trey Pipkins and Sam Tevi (for some reason). After that, probably the clearest cut backup is Scott Quessenberry at center. After that, there’s some more competition. Storm Norton, another XFL signing, may end up making the team as a backup. Forrest Lamp may make the team again, but barely – it’s pretty clear at this point that he is most likely a bust. If he misses out, it will likely be one of the undrafted free agents sneaking in, but there’s been no indication of a strong likelihood of that right now.
Defensive Line
Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Justin Jones, Linval Joseph, Jerry Tillery, Isaac Rochell, Damion Square, Cortez Broughton (8)
Surprises at this position are unlikely. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are obvious locks, as are Jerry Tillery, Linval Joseph, and others. They might end up with just one backup defensive end again in Isaac Rochell (unless Joe Gaziano or somebody else squeaks in past one of the backup defensive tackles), but they did this last year too – and as was briefly demonstrated when Ingram had a brief holdout, they’re willing to move Uchenna Nwosu to defensive end/edge rusher if necessary (any position switch is unofficial at this point, so he’ll remain sorted with the linebackers here).
Linebackers
Kenneth Murray, Denzel Perryman, Drue Tranquill, Uchenna Nwosu, Nick Vigil, Kyzir White, Emeke Egbule (7)
Again, plenty of locks here. First-round pick Kenneth Murray, second-year Drue Tranquill, veterans Denzel Perryman and Nick Vigil, and the aforementioned Nwosu. Kyzir White is a popular backup, and he’ll probably hold on to his job too as will Emeke Egbule. Malik Jefferson may end up on the practice squad again.
Cornerbacks
Casey Hayward, Michael Davis, Chris Harris Jr, Desmond King, Brandon Facyson (5)
Casey Hayward and Chris Harris are the obvious locks at starters. With the arrival of Harris at slot corner, it looked like Desmond King could potentially get traded – but now it seems that Harris will be playing some outside corner after all, suggesting King will keep a somewhat reduced role after all. Michael Davis may get pushed to backup as a result, but he’s a pretty solid backup at this point. Brandon Facyson struggled last year, but there still seems to be some hope that he can improve.
Safeties
Derwin James, Rayshawn Jenkins, Nasir Adderley, Alohi Gilman (4)
Derwin James and Rayshawn Jenkins look to be the locks at starter, while both Nasir Adderley and Alohi Gilman are potentially exciting backups. Keep in mind that Desmond King could also still get rotated out to safety, as was another possibility discussed when Harris was signed.
Special Teams
Michael Badgley, Ty Long, Cole Mazza (3)
Michael Badgley and Ty Long currently have no competition for their kicker or punter duties, respectively. It helps that in the event of an emergency, Long can also fill in as kicker. Despite it being mentioned earlier that fullback Gabe Nabers can play long snapper, Cole Mazza doesn’t appear to be in any danger of losing his roster spot as the official long snapper.
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