LA Chargers: Seven training camp battle predictions

Training camp continues on for the LA Chargers with depth chart positions and roster spots at stake. Which players will win out?

Ten days remain until the LA Chargers have to cut their roster down to 53 and release their first official depth chart. The team has many players fighting to make the back end of the roster. Even for players who have a roster spot guaranteed, depth chart position is always up in the air. Let’s start with the running backs:

RB Justin Jackson vs. RB Joshua Kelley

With Austin Ekeler getting his four-year extension in the offseason, he’s become the de facto first running back on the team. Frankly, many argued that Ekeler should’ve remained the top running back even after Melvin Gordon came back last season with how he was playing.

Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley will be the second and third running backs on the team, in some order. Jackson has been with the team since 2018 when he was picked in the seventh round and has had key contributions in quite a few games. Many remember the game vs. Pittsburgh that year when he went off in the second half.

Kelley was a surprising pick when the expectation was that the Chargers would draft a cornerback or offensive lineman to start the third day of the 2020 NFL Draft. While there is some lingering skepticism about the selection, there’s also excitement about Kelley’s physical abilities. He’s a powerful back who could prove his importance in training camp. Anthony Lynn says he’s done just that so far:

https://twitter.com/CPatrickNFL/status/1297407171370549249

To me, Jackson’s experience with the team as well as his field vision give him a leg up on Kelley. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kelley ends up passing Jackson next year or even later this season, but Jackson’s the more NFL ready running back at the moment.

Winner: Justin Jackson