5 important position battles to watch during Chargers training camp

LA Chargers' training camp gets underway on Wednesday at "The Bolt" in El Segundo. As Los Angeles enters its' first camp under Jim Harbaugh, questions still linger throughout the roster.

With roster spots and depth chart positioning still to be decided, there are a number of situations to keep an eye on as the proceedings get underway.

The last wide receiver on the Chargers' 53-man roster

There will be a minimum of five wide receivers on the Chargers' 53-man roster, assuming everyone stays healthy. Right now, those receivers would be Josh Palmer, DJ Chark, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Derius Davis. What becomes interesting is where the cutoff line lies after that point.

The Chargers also drafted Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Simi Fehoko shouldn't be disregarded here either, as he played at least somewhat significant snaps for LA last season. After that, you're into UDFA territory with Jaelen Gill, Jaylen Johnson, and Leon Johnson. Praise Olatoke likely competes for the IPP spot on the practice squad.

But it's easy to see the dilemma here. Keeping six wide receivers would force them to waive one of Rice or Johnson. Seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster would be untraditional, although it's been done a number of times in the league before. Whatever the initial number on the roster ends up being, it will probably be determined via training camp and preseason competitions.

Isaiah Spiller vs. Kimani Vidal

This is a battle that's likely flying under the radar right now, but expect it to carry more steam once the Chargers put the pads on. Kimani Vidal, first running back drafted by the new regime, will compete with Isaiah Spiller for RB3. While perhaps not something that's at the top of most peoples' minds, RB3 could be critical. Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins have missed their fair share of games due to injuries.

Isaiah Spiller was the last running back drafted by the previous front office in 2022. In two seasons, he's ran for 137 yards while averaging 2.5 yards per carry. Due to other running backs being trusted more on special teams, Spiller has received a significant amount of healthy scratches on Chargers' gamedays.

Spiller was once a high-volume college running back who flashed some NFL potential. The same is now true for Troy's all-time leading rusher in Vidal. This competition is more likely to be determined by their requisite blocking and special teams' play as opposed to rushing outputs.

Trey Pipkins vs. Jamaree Salyer

All indications from HC Jim Harbaugh are that the right guard spot is Trey Pipkins' to lose. In his ideal setup of the offensive line from left to right, he currently has Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, and Joe Alt as the five that have themselves.

While they both may be formalities to start, Pipkins and Alt will have to earn their spots on the offensive line in camp and at least some of the preseason. Jamaree Salyer started at right guard in 2023 and will likely get reps with the first and second units to push Pipkins. The requisite size and athleticism of Pipkins probably gets the job done for Harbaugh and Co.

The fourth (and maybe third) safety spot

The Chargers have their safety duo of Derwin James and Alohi Gilman locked up for the next two years. Despite the changing of the guard to Joe Hortiz, LA still opted to re-sign their 2020 draft pick this offseason. Gilman signed a two-year, $10.1 million contract this offseason.

The other safety spots on the roster seem much more up in the air. Los Angeles signed Tony Jefferson after he came out of retirement this offseason. AJ Finley was able to contribute in a few games last season. Former third-round selection JT Woods spent most of 2023 on the NFL's non-football illness list.

Akeem Dent is also worth mentioning here as an UDFA. The Chargers still have two uncertain safety spots to fill from four or five potential options. I'd give Tony Jefferson a leg up on the S3 spot given his familiarity with the defensive scheme and Hortiz himself.

Concern in the Chargers' cornerback room

The Chargers' starting cornerback trio would project to be Kristian Fulton, Asante Samuel Jr., and Ja'Sir Taylor right now. All three corners struggled in run support last year while Fulton and Taylor in particular were inconsistent in coverage.

Los Angeles also has rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still to compete for starting spots potentially. The Athletic's Daniel Popper mentioned Still realistically competing with Taylor after showing flashes in the earlier stages of the offseason during OTAs and minicamp. Hart, while unlikely to start from the jump, was one of the most experienced corners in the NFL Draft.