The LA Chargers have welcomed nine new players to the roster via the 2024 NFL Draft and plenty more via undrafted free-agent signings. With this being the first year of the new regime in LA, anyone has a chance to prove their worth and earn a roster spot.
Naturally, there are going to be a lot of disappointed players as the Chargers trim the roster down to 53 players. There will be some tough decisions that the Bolts have to make and talented guys will be asked to sign with the practice squad (if they are not picked up by other teams).
The Chargers do have salary-cap space to spend and roster spots to use and it is impossible to predict that those players will be on the Chargers' 53-man before they even sign. Thus, here is out best go at predicting the roster based who is on the team.
Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick
The Chargers didn't carry a third quarterback last year despite drafting Max Duggan and it seems unlikely that the team will do it this year. But then again, maybe Jim Harbaugh has more respect for Duggan from his days at TCU.
Running back (3): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal
Isaiah Spiller misses the cut as there is so much talent ahead of him. He has not done enough in the league for another team to scoop him up before he can hit the practice squad, so he can stick around in case of emergency.
Fullback (1): Ben Mason
The Chargers signed a fullback in Ben Mason and there should be no doubt in any Chargers fans' mind that the team will go back to having a fullback on the roster.
Wide receiver (6): Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice, Cornelius Johnson
The Chargers should be running six-deep at wide receiver and as it stands right now, both rookies can make the cut. However, if the Chargers sign a receiver in free agency then one of the seventh-rounders will end up being cut. It will be fine.
Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham, Zach Heins
Zach Heins is one of the most intriguing UDFAs that the Chargers signed after the size. With his massive six-foot-seven frame and innate blocking ability, he has a good chance to make this Chargers team.
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell, Brenden Jaimes
It is unclear if Jim Harbaugh was being serious about Trey Pipkins playing guard but alas, he flirted with the idea so Pipkins is in our starting five. The Chargers would benefit from signing one more depth option to replace Brenden Jaimes.
Interior defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe, Scott Matlock, Jerrod Clark
The Chargers need a second true nose tackle, hence why Jerrod Clark makes the cut. This position is one that the Bolts could address in free agency as they definitely can improve at nose tackle from Ford and Clark.
EDGE (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Chris Rumph
The top three edge rushers in Los Angeles might be the best set of three edge rushers in the entire league. Chris Rumph is definitely levels upon level below the top three.
Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, Nick Niemann
The top three cornerbacks on this roster are going to take up most of the playing time while Troy Dye and Nick Niemann make an impact on special teams. Both players will likely be key contributors for Ryan Ficken.
Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr, Kristian Fulton, Ja'Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still
The Chargers added two rookie corners in the draft but this room still needs some work. There is not a true CB1 on this team as nobody in this room had a particularly good 2023. Hopefully, Jesse Minter can fix whatever was wrong with these corners.
Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods, Akeem Dent
Akeem Dent is the one UDFA that makes our initial 53-man roster prediction. The Chargers desperately need to have a fourth center on the 53-man roster and he is more exciting as a player than any of the alternatives.
Special teams (3): Cameron Dicker, J.K. Scott, Josh Harris
The status quo remains the same from a year ago. This trio was great last season and there won't be a change here at all barring injury.