LA Chargers: Way-too-early 55-man roster prediction for 2020

With the first wave of free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft behind us, we try to predict what the final 55-man roster will look like for the LA Chargers.

It’s never too early for roster predictions, and after an eventful offseason for the LA Chargers and the league alike, it’s time to try and predict the Chargers’ roster for Week 1.

If something feels off for you, it might be the number on the title. One of the implications of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the owners and the players is that the roster will be expanded from the 53-man roster we hear about every year to a 55-man roster.

These two extra spots will come in handy for the Chargers, who are used to carry players whose contributions are limited to special teams. Nick Dzubnar is no longer in town, but players like Emeke Egbule or Darius Jennings aren’t expected to see the field a lot on offense and defense.

Without further ado, let’s start predicting with the special teams.

Special Teams (3)

Placekicker: Mike Badgley

Punter: Ty Long

Long Snapper: Cole Mazza

It’s a relatively quiet offseason for the LA Chargers’ special teams positions. The Bolts usually have a controversy or two on this phase of the game. Last year, it was a punter battle between Long and undrafted free agent Tyler Newsome.

Even though Newsome was from Notre Dame, Long won the competition with a stellar preseason. Newsome was recently signed by the Kansas City Chiefs to compete with veteran Dustin Colquitt.

There was also Mazza, who beat out the team’s long-time long snapper Mike Windt for a roster spot. In the past years, we’ve had Drew Kaser replacing veteran Mike Scifres only to be surprisingly cut in favor of the recently unretired Donnie Jones (who has now retired again).

Then there’s the revolving door of kickers that the Chargers had before finally landing with Badgley.

Roster spots used: 3/55