Chargers: What’s Needed to Fill the 53-Man Roster?

The opening of Free Agency has come and gone. The Chargers were able to keep some key pieces at home and add a few more. They may have missed on adding a big time defensive player and that will need to be addressed in the draft. But what other needs do they have going forward? Let’s take a position by position look at team and see what is needed to fill out the 53 man roster.

Offensive lineAs of right now the offensive starting line looks like this: Dunlap, Franklin, Robinson, Troutman, Fluker. Other than Troutman it looks fantastic. Last year the Chargers carried 8 offensive linemen. Watt seems to have a lock on one of the backup positions. It would be nice to get Orhnberger re-signed to fill another. I would like to see us draft a starter in the early rounds but with major needs at DL and RB I don’t know if the Chargers will spend a 1^st or 2^nd here. Perhaps they will spend a 4^th round pick to get a guy to compete with Sirles, Wiggins and Watts for that final spot or two.

Oct 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) is defended by Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Running BacksThe Chargers need a #1 back who can pound the ball between the tackles. Telesco needs to hit a home run here. Look for the Bolts to spend a 1^st or 2^nd round pick to make sure this happens. It looks like Woodhead, Oliver and Brown will fill out the other 3 roster spots.

Wide ReceiverStevie, Allen , Floyd, Pettis, Inman and Jacoby could be the 6 who fill out the roster at WR. However this group, while being talented, lacks a #1 receiver who can battle the top CBs in the league. I think the only way to remedy that is by selecting a WR in the early rounds of the draft, unfortunately the Bolts have more pressing needs at DL and RB.

Tight EndsGates, Green, Johnson and Phillips will most likely be on the 53 man roster, unless Johnson does not make it.

QuarterbackUnless something weird happens Rivers and Clemens will be on the roster. And I mean really weird and stupid like.

Defensive LineAs of today these are the 6 D-lineman on the roster: Liuget, Reyes, Lissemore, Matthews, Carrethers and Palepoi. This is the Chargers weakest unit. I am not even sure that Reyes is projected as the starter – Matthews may be. I think the Chargers NEED to spend their 1st or 2nd pick on a DT to help this unit out. I know most of us would like to see a NT, but Telesco has been clear that they are happy with Lissemore and Carrethers.

Nov 16, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (97) rushes Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) as he works against Oakland Raiders tackle Menelik Watson (out of frame, left) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Outside LinebackerMelvin Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu, Tourek Williams and Cordarro Law seem to be locks for the roster. The Chargers will need to add one more here for depth and needed experience.

Inside LinebackersDonald Butler, Manti Teo and Kavell Conner should all be on the 53 man roster. Last year the Chargers carried 5 ILBs. If they do again, this group is short two players. The Chargers will need to add some depth to this unit through free agency.

CornerbacksBrandon Flowers and Jason Verrett are our starters. Experience falls off after that. Stevie Williams and Chris Davis played well last year and should be good backups. It would be nice to add an experienced CB to this group. The other option is promoting Ducre off the practice squad.

SafetyEric Weddle and Jimmy Wilson appear to be the starters for now. Darrell Stucky and Jahleel Addae should fill the backup roles Last year the Chargers carried 5 safeties. Look for them to add one more guy to fill out this unit.

Kick ReturnerThankfully we signed Jacoby for this spot.

Kicker

Nick Novak

PunterMike Scifres

Long SnapperMike Windt

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