The Chargers will end their preseason this weekend on the road against the 49ers in Santa Clara. It will be the last chance for all of the players on the roster bubble to make one final impression on the coaching staff in hopes of landing their dream job.
With one game to go, here’s out latest prediction on who will end up making the final 53-man roster for the Chargers.
Quarterback (2):
Justin Herbert, Trey LanceLance has outperformed Heinicke by a wide margin and I think the backup job is now his
to lose. Heinicke’s regular season experience is still very valuable in a backup, but Lance’s upside is now too good to pass up.
Running Back (5): Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, Scott Matlock (FB)
This group could look a little different if Harris ends up missing time due to his eye injury. For now, I have Vidal making the team although I believe Raheim Sanders is the better back as of right now. Either one making the team would not surprise me, but for now I’m picking the guy who has a year of experience in the system. Haskins’ value on special teams will keep him on this team for as long as the staff wants him.
Matlock provides depth at two positions. That’s enough to keep him on the active roster. Will he take a step forward as a lead blocker? I sure hope so.
Wide Receiver (6): Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis
This is the most locked-in group on the roster. All six of these receivers will see time on game days but it remains to be seen just how often the offense trots out three-wideout sets this year. Without Slater, I would not be shocked if the team relied on the passing game a bit more should the rushing attack fail to find its footing early on as the front five continue to gel.
Tight End (3): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden II
The Chargers need the room to keep extra players at other positions and that leaves the tight end room fairly shallow with just three bodies. These guys will rotate a lot and I wouldn’t be surprised if the team elevates Fisk on game days depending on the matchup.
Offensive Line (9): Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Andre James, Branson Taylor, David Sharpe
Recently-signed Sharpe will be the team’s swing tackle while Salyer, James, and Taylor provide depth at the interior spots. Salyer also still hodls value as an inside-outside versatile blocker in a pinch.
Interior Defensive Line (5): Teair Tart, Da’Shawn Hand, Otito Ogbonnia, Naquan Jones, Justin Eboigbe
This group was sewn together with team castoffs and unproven youngsters. I’m not confident in how well they’re going to play this year, but if Minter can find his next Poona Ford, then all the better. For now, this is the weakest unit on the entire team.
Edge Rusher (5): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Caleb Murphy, Kyle Kennard
Murphy makes this team after the preseason he has. Plus, he’s been great on special teams. Kennard has been quiet all of camp but as a fourth-rounder he will be a lock. The Chargers will need one or two of these players to hit the double-digit sack mark if they want to be more impactful in year two under Harbaugh. Tuipulotu leading the group with 8.5 is not going to cut it.
Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye
Free agent signing Del’Shawn Phillips is returning to practice this week after missing all of camp thus far with an injury. He’ll push for a spot as a special teams player but I don’t foresee him unseating anyone here. He may be an early call-up player from the practice squad much like Shaq Quarterman was a season ago.
Cornerback (6): Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Benjamin St-Juste, Nikko Reed, Ja’Sir Taylor
If I had my way, Taylor would not make this team. The special teams value he brings seemingly outweighs the liability he was in coverage all throughout the 2024 season. Coach Ficken likes his guys on his unit that he can trust and Taylor is one of them.
I believe Reed has earned a role on this team. Keeping six cornerbacks feels right for a group without a bonafide starting group. Jackson has been up and down in camp thus far. Still and Hart are still young and need the veteran presence. As for St-Juste, he did not look great in his limited preseason action. His experience will help him make this team, but he likely has a short leash.
Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, RJ Mickens
I think the Chargers end up keeping this group on the active roster while making veteran Tony Jefferon a call-up early on in the season. Mickens has been great this preseason and team would never risk putting him on waivers. He’s locked in to the final roster.
Special Teams (3): Cameron Dicker, Josh Harris, JK Scott
Keep it together. Change nothing. Profit.
