The Chargers are 1-0 this preseason after trouncing the Lions 34-7 on Thursday night in the annual Hall of Fame Game.
After each preseason game, we’re going to throw up a 53-man roster prediction based on the team’s most recent performance. Here’s our first exercise after Thursday night.
Enjoy!
Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance
The Chargers kept three quarterbacks last year and I believe they will do the same this year. Heinicke is a trsut-worthy backup with starting experience.
Lance showed improvement from last preseason to now with his two-touchdown performance against the Lions in the Hall of Fame Game.
Similar to the 49ers getting a fourth-round pick from the Cowboys in a trade for Lance, the Chargers could end up earning themselves a late pick on day three from a QB-needy team if Lance continues to show progression during the 2025 preseason.
Running back (5): Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Nyheim Miller-Hines, Scott Matlock (FB)
The jury is still out on exactly how injured Harris is following the fireworks accident. Until we get some clear idea of his return to the field, this is Hampton’s backfield. Haskins is an elite special teamer and the newly-signed Miller-Hines provides depth and return ability. Matlock played more fullback than defensive tackle in 2024 so I expect him to do the same again in 2025.
Wide Receiver (5): Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis
The Chargers will still want to run the football all the same in 2025, only better and more efficiently this season. They added two exciting rookies in Harris and KLS, both of whom have popped in training camp thus far. Davis is also coming along in year three while providing All-Pro level return ability.
Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Ordonde Gadsden II, Tucker Fisk
The tight end room this year is like a basketball team. Dissly is your center. Conklin is a power forward. Gadsden is a stretch forward/shooting guard, and Fisk is your enforcer (yes, that’s the position name).
They’ve got a guy for every job they could ask one of them to do and some even have a decent amount of overlap within their skillsets. I like this group. I think they’ve got a high floor and will surprise this season.
Offensive linemen (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins II, Branson Taylor, Ryan Nelson
Nine has always been a good number for the Chargers as far as the number of linemen to keep and I think that continues this season. Until they officially announce anything different, I expect the starting five to be the same as last year minus Becton in place of Pipkins. Salyer and Pipkins both provide the most versatility at guard and tackle (and now center for the former).
Nelson has been praised by Harbaugh already so I like his chances after coming over from the UFL. Taylor was a late day-three pick of the team this year but I’m not sold on him being kept. He’s likely the guy most on the fringe here.
Interior Defensive Linemen (4): Teair Tart, Da’Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Otito Ogbonnia,
The Chargers would technically be keeping five bodies here with Matlock included, but we have him grouped up with the backs.
In all honesty, I think they need more bodies here, but I’m not sure where to make cuts elsewhere. Hand and Jones are the new guys on the block to pair with Tart and Ogbonnia. This is definitely the weakest position on the team and a group that I don’t think will be settled until after final cuts have been made around the NFL.
Edge rushers (5): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Caleb Murphy
Caleb Murphy was impressive in the Hall of Fame Game and I think he ends up making this team as a special teams contributor.
Other than Murphy, the other four ahead of him are to be expected.
Linebackers (4): Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Troy Dye
Another group where I like to have at least one more body.
Henley and Perryman will lead this group with Colson and Dye behind them. Colson needs to take a step forward in his progression after a ho-hum rookie season plagued by injuries. Dye flashed in 2024 and will once again provide some quality depth.
Cornerbacks (6): Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Nikko Reed, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard
I’m already very confident that Reed will make this team. He’s been balling on a daily basis in camp and that’s a quick recipe to get the coaches on your side. I could see the Chargers keeping five players here, but I couldn’t get myself to cut one of Taylor or Leonard, both of whom are core special teams players.
Safeties (5): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, RJ Mickens
Safety remains one of the best positions on the Chargers. They keep their top four from a season ago and add rookie R.J. Mickens who has flashed in camp and will likely play a lot of special teams.
I like this group a lot.
Special Teams (3): Cameron Dicker (K), JK Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)
Nothing to change here. Keep it strong and churning for another year.
Dicker did hit one off the left upright against the Lions from 52 yards out, but let’s just get those misses out of the way during the preseason, yeah?
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- Los Angeles Chargers Positional Review: Safeties
- 2018 Draft Show: Running Backs & Tight Ends
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