Fans are getting their first taste of the 2024 LA Chargers with training camp officially underway. The Chargers have hosted several practices that were open to fans, giving us all a peak behind the curtain at the new era led by Jim Harbaugh.
While there is a long way to go until the start of the 2024 season, this initial peek has given us some info on what the team might look like in 2024. With that in mind, here is the first (of many) ongoing 53-man roster predictions as Chargers training camp continues.
Chargers' 53-man roster prediction 1.0:
Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick
It does not seem very likely that the Chargers will use an extra roster space on a third quarterback. If Justin Herbert gets hurt the season is going to go sideways regardless and if both quarterbacks get hurt in one game it will be a loss anyway.
Running back: (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller
With Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins' injury history, it seems likely the Chargers will carry four running backs to start the 2024 season. There is uncertainty around how Edwards is feeling heading into the season, meanwhile, Dobbins left Friday's practice early a day after touting how great he felt.
Wide receiver (6): Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, DJ Chark, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice
The Chargers could carry seven wide receivers to keep 2024 seventh-round pick Cornelius Johnson on the roster but at this point in time, that seems unlikely. Thus, the Chargers will cut someone who they just drafted in April, which is not that uncommon.
Johnson has plenty of time to earn a roster spot back but after the first few practices the advantage has to be given to Rice. Initially, I predicted Johnson would make it over Rice but right now, the USC receiver has the edge. Don't worry, though, Johnson will be stashed on the practice squad.
Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt, Donald Parham
Donald Parham's injury concerns have continued into training camp, and coupled with positive impressions around Stone Smartt, that could put him on the roster bubble. Right now, he is secure in Greg Roman's offense that puts onus on tight ends, but he needs to get healthy and produce sooner rather than later.
Offensive line (10): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarrell, Alex Leatherwood
Jordan McFadden has been getting some reps at fullback and tight end, indicating he might be the go-to option in heavy packages if the Chargers want to have some trickery. With McFadden saving a roster spot (not needing a fullback), the Chargers can afford to carry an extra offensive lineman with both Foster Sarrell and Alex Leatherwood getting the nod.
Interior defensive line (5): Morgan Fox, Poona Ford, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Justin Eboigbe,
This is arguably the thinnest position group on the entire Chargers' roster. Morgan Fox is a great pass rusher but lacks in the run game. Los Angeles will need youngsters Otito Ogbonnia and Scott Matlock to take huge leaps forward in 2024.
EDGE (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree
This is arguably the best position group on the roster top to bottom as there are four very productive edge rushers on the LA Chargers' roster. If everyone stays healthy, expect to see Tuli Tuipulotu getting a fair share of his snaps inside, especially on passing downs.
Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Nick Niemann
Junior Colson was placed on the NFI list after having his appendix removed, giving Daiyan Henley the chance to secure his spot at a starting linebacker alongside Denzel Perryman. But year's end, though, Colson might end up being the starter over either Henley or Perryman.
Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja'Sir Taylor, Tarheeb Still, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart
Jesse Minter really needs to elevate the cornerbacks on the roster because there is real reason to be concerned. Asante Samuel Jr. has not proven to be a true CB1 in the NFL yet while Kristian Fulton was statistically one of the worst corners in the entire sport last season.
The biggest position battle among this group is at nickel corner. Right now, Ja'Sir Taylor holds that role but rookie Tarheeb Still is breathing down his back with a strong camp thus far.
Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson, AJ Finley
The Chargers signed Tony Jefferson after working him out in minicamp and thus far there have been great reviews for the veteran safety. As long as these positive reviews continue, Jefferson will be cemented as the third safety on the roster.
However, it is important to note AJ Finley was getting reps with the starting defense. It is very early in the process but Finley might be a lock for the final roster because of his special teams impact. If he is playing more on defense, too, then 2022 third-round pick JT Woods could get canned.
Special teams (3): Cameron Dicker (K), J.K. Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)
Nothing has changed here for the Chargers as this represents one of the best special teams units the team has had in a long time. Cameron Dicker has been nails thus far in his career, J.K. Scott is an above-average punter and Josh Harris is one of the best long snappers in the sport.