Final Chargers 53-man roster prediction for the 2022 season
By Jason Reed
Chargers 53-man roster prediction, the offense:
Quarterback: Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick (3)
We did not predict the LA Chargers to carry three quarterbacks on the roster before training camp because it is a waste of a roster spot. However, Tom Telesco essentially confirmed that the team will carry three quarterbacks for the second year in a row, wasting a roster spot on someone who makes no difference in Easton Stick.
It might not seem like a big deal but every roster spot matters and once we get deeper into the roster prediction you will see what players end up getting the boot because of it.
Running back: Austin Ekeler, Isaiah Spiller, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree (4)
We also did not predict there to be four running backs and you could argue that this is a waste as well, especially with Rountree being the fourth running back. At least with running backs, they add special teams value and it makes sense to initially carry three with Isaiah Spiller currently being banged up.
That being said, if Rountree does not turn some kind of corner the team either needs to free up the roster spot for a more impactful practice squad player or find a better running back.
Fullback: Zander Horvath (1)
Nothing changes here. Gabe Nabers has never really been that special of a fullback and there is some fun potential with Horvath. This was the prediction before camp.
Wide receiver: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Josh Palmer, Jalen Guyton, DeAndre Carter (5)
Michael Bandy has been the star of the preseason and while it is a no-brainer to keep him on the roster, it is really hard to find a spot for him on this roster and keep it under 53 players. This is one of the examples of a backend roster player who could make the difference who is going to get the boot because of the team prioritizing depth in other areas.
Bandy likely won't stick around on the practice squad. After the preseason he had, it would be shocking if he didn't get claimed.
Tight end: Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre' McKitty, Hunter Kampmoyer (4)
This is another position that the Chargers could get away with having three players since the team has a fullback in Zander Horvath. However, having four tight ends is not as bad as three quarterbacks or four running backs because of the special teams value that Hunter Kampmoyer specifically adds to the team.
Offensive line: Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton, Brenden Jaimes, Will Clapp Jamaree Salyer (9)
The Chargers have to feel good about the offensive line and the depth of the line with rookie Jamaree Salyer looking really good in camp. We correctly predicted Trey Pipkins to be the starting right tackle as that seems to be the case.
We did predict that 10 players would be on the offensive line before camp started but with extra depth added to other offensive positions and needing to still have defensive depth, the weakest link for the Chargers rightfully misses the cut.
Total offensive players: 26