Chargers depth chart: Who moves up or down?

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CARSON, CA – AUGUST 18: Troymaine Pope #35 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs back a punt for a touchdown during the first half of their pre seaon football game against New Orleans Saints at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 18, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Chargers defense: Moving up

Jerry Tillery had a really nice debut, but he is expected to be the second-string defensive tackle at this point and will neither uproot Justin Jones after one game nor fall below T.Y. McGill.

Roderic Teamer showed up again this week, notching six tackles and 0.5 sacks (combining with Dee Liner) on defense and special teams. He’s consistently around the football, and most years would make the team for his work on special teams alone. However, even with Derwin James heading to injured reserve, Teamer has an uphill battle with guys like Rayshawn Jenkins, Jaylen Watkins, Nasir Adderley, and Adrian Phillips all capable of playing safety. Still, this performance should put him ahead of Adarius Pickett and Arrion Springs, though the latter is listed on the team’s depth chart as ahead of him at LCB.

No player, however, gained more today against the Saints than Anthony Lanier:

NOT TODAY. pic.twitter.com/EOAfuC9ADA

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) August 18, 2019

At 280 pounds, Lanier moves so much faster than expected; clearly, Taysom Hill had no idea No. 90 could get to that speed so quickly. With Chris Peace (last week’s best pass rusher) forced to miss the game, Lanier took full advantage and popped on seemingly every other play. If he and Peace were neck-and-neck before, his performance and health should move him in front of the latter.