1 bold prediction for every Chargers positional unit: Offense

Making one bold prediction for each position on the offensive side of the ball for the Chargers.

The Chargers are just a week away from kicking off the 2021 regular season, and after some roster reconstruction the team is equipped with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

How will the positional groups shape up? Let’s take a crack at making a bold prediction for each one, starting with the quarterbacks room.

Quarterback

Justin Herbert leads the NFL in passing yards

Herbert amassed 4,336 passing yards in his rookie season, in only 15 games. Knowing that he will have a full season and Joe Lombardi’s offense will allow him to air it out often to an array of stud skill players all behind a bolstered offense, Herbert could very well sit atop of the league in this category.

Running back

Larry Rountree takes over as RB2

Despite still drawing injury concerns, Justin Jackson is set to resume his role as the primary backup to Austin Ekeler to start the season. If the preseason is any indication, Rountree’s ability to win on the ground, as a receiver and in pass protection is the perfect skillset to manage a decent-sized load. I’m predicting Rountree to go from a short-yardage specialist to being used as the compliment to Ekeler by season’s end.

Wide receiver

Josh Palmer finishes second among team’s receivers in receptions

It’s expected that Mike Williams is going to be ready for Week 1 and there’s a lot of hype with him expected to man the “X receiver” which was formerly held by Saints’ Michael Thomas. However, an injury could still hold Williams back. Tyron Johnson was released, which benefited Palmer significantly. Jalen Guyton will likely only be used as downfield threat. Nonetheless, it’s hard not to believe that a guy who consistently got open at different areas of the field and caught everything during the preseason isn’t going to emerge as one of Herbert’s top targets.

Tight end

Donald Parham outproduces Jared Cook

Cook is the first tight end on the depth chart, but that doesn’t mean his receiving production will resemble just that. Last season, Cook recorded 10 catches for 159 yards (15.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns on 20 targets with Herbert under center. Parham’s upside is endless due to his elite physical and athletic traits and improved route-running ability coupled with Lombardi’s system which gets tight ends heavily involved. Look for him to work up the seams and in the red zone.

Offensive line

Rashawn Slater allows no more than three sacks

Making the smooth transition from the college to the pro level at the tackle position in Year 1 is not an easy task by any means. Very few are capable of maintaining the high level of play against NFL pass rushers right out the gate, but Slater’s college film and showing this summer might suggest otherwise. Despite has lack of measurable, Slater’s light feet, balance and technically-refined and heavy hands are competent enough to slow the cream of the crop.

Chargers in attendance to scout pair of notable games

Chargers scouts are back on the road to find talent for the 2022 NFL draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers were one of several teams that did their homework on a handful of prospects on Saturday.

There was one scout in attendance to watch Cincinnati vs. Miami (OH). Another scout was in Chapel Hill, NC to watch Virginia Tech take on North Carolina.

Here’s a look at the prospects that should have drawn the attention of the Bolts:

Cincinatti

EDGE Myjai Sanders

CB Ahmad Gardner

TE Josh Whyle

CB Coby Bryant

Miami (OH)

DL Dominique Robinson

North Carolina

OL Marcus McKethan

OL Jordan Tucker

RB Ty Chandler

S Trey Morrison

WR Khafre Brown

Virginia Tech

EDGE Amare Barno

OL Lecitus Smith

TE James Mitchell

WR Tre Turner

Projecting Chargers’ defensive depth chart for 2021

Predicting the Chargers’ defensive depth chart heading into the 2021 season.

The Chargers are just a little over a week away from their season opener against The Washington Football Team under new head coach Brandon Staley, and with that, the positions are set after finalizing their 53-man roster.

The team has yet to release the official depth chart, so let’s dive into how the defensive side of the ball could shape up heading into the 2021 season, highlighting who is likely to start and serve as depth pieces behind them.

Defensive line

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
DT	Justin Jones	Christian Covington
NT	Linval Joseph
DE	Jerry Tillery	Eric Banks

The Chargers have a stout starting front. With Tillery and Jones’ skillset coupled with the new scheme, the two could be due for breakout seasons. Forrest Merrill was set to back up Joseph at the nose tackle spot, but he was waived in favor of Banks, the latest addition, a long interior defender who brings a penetrating style of play.

Edge defender

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
EDGE1	Joey Bosa	Uchenna Nwosu
EDGE2	Kyler Fackrell	Chris Rumph II

Bosa and Nwosu were seen as the starters coming into the summer, but Fackrell played his way into the job during the preseason. Regardless, both players are expected to still play often during the season because of the many different packages in Staley’s defense. Rumph will primarily be a special teamer, but he should still see the field at times on third-down situations.

Inside Linebacker

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
ILB1	Kenneth Murray	Kyzir White	Amen Ogbongbemiga
ILB2	Drue Tranquill	Nick Niemann

White and Tranquill will be co-starters alongside Murray at inside linebacker, which means all three will play a lot. Even though he had a stellar summer, Niemann isn’t likely going to be on the field all that much. Instead, he and Ogbongbemiga will be making their money on special teams.

Cornerback

	Starter	Backup
CB1	Michael Davis	Ryan Smith
CB2	Asante Samuel Jr.	Tevaughn Campbell
Nickel	Chris Harris Jr.

Multiplicity and disguise is a staple which means the secondary will be interchangeable. When the unit goes into nickel or dime packages, Harris will slide into the slot, while Samuel mans the boundary opposite Davis. Smith and Campbell are primarily special teams aces.

Safety

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
FS	Nasir Adderley	Mark Webb
SS	Derwin James	Alohi Gilman	Trey Marshall

James will be the “Star” of the defense. Adderley will line up in the slot on top of patrolling the deep parts of the field. Gilman will see playing time as a hybrid safety-linebacker (Money). Webb and Marshall can both play safety and nickel and dime backer.

Chargers activate CB Ryan Smith, waive DB Kemon Hall

Ryan Smith should provide a special teams boost.

The Los Angeles Chargers have activated cornerback Ryan Smith from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Friday. In correspondence, defensive back Kemon Hall was waived.

Signed earlier this offseason, Smith spent nearly all of the summer on the sideline nursing a core muscle injury. Despite the injury, the team always viewed him as a lock to make the 53-man roster because of his talent on special teams.

In 73 games with the Buccaneers, Smith posted 117 tackles, an interception, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. In 2019, he led Tampa Bay with a team-high seven stops on special teams.

Hall, who is coming off a strong training camp and preseason, is a candidate to fill out the practice squad if he clears waivers. He was praised by the coaches for his versatility and special teams ability.

Chargers OC Joe Lombardi impressed by TE Donald Parham’s growth

Donald Parham has taken the steps to become a complete player at the position.

The Chargers tight end room is highlighted by veteran Jared Cook, but Donald Parham will also be a valuable piece this season.

Signed last year, the 6-foot-8 Parham took advantage of his limited opportunities, recording 10 catches for 159 yards (15.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns on 20 targets in 2020.

Used primarily as a receiver in 2020, Parham has taken the steps to become a complete player at the position – showing more toughness and blocking ability throughout training camp and preseason.

“I was very optimistic about him as a receiver based on the little bit I saw on film and I think he’s stepped up and shown that he can do that more consistently. I’ve been impressed with his willingness and aggressiveness blocking which is important for a tight end,” Joe Lombardi said.

With Lombardi’s offense heavily predicated on matchups in which he will be show a wide variety of personnel packages, Parham should be a mismatch to threaten seams and in the red zone.

During the final season that Lombardi called plays for the Lions, QB Matthew Stafford targeted the tight end on nearly 25% of his passes. In addition, Saints’ Drew Brees relied heavily on his tight ends.

This just goes to show how involved Parham should be in the passing game, but knowing that he possesses capable upside as a blocker only benefits the offense even more.

Projecting Chargers’ offensive depth chart for 2021

Predicting the Chargers’ offensive depth chart heading into the 2021 season.

The team has yet to release the official depth chart, so let’s dive into how the offensive side of the ball could shape up heading into the 2021 season, highlighting who is likely to start and serve as depth pieces behind them.

Quarterback

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
QB	Justin Herbert	Chase Daniel	Easton Stick

Herbert is QB1 while Daniel will likely be the other active signal-caller on game days. Even though Stick will be inactive, he gives the team flexibility in case of any COVID-19 related emergency.

Running back

	Starter	Backup	Reserve	Reserve
RB	Austin Ekeler	Justin Jackson	Larry Rountree	Joshua Kelley

Ekeler will continue do it all out of the backfield, lined up in the slot and out wide. Jackson figures to get the bulk of carries behind him, assuming he stays healthy. Rountree gets the nod over Kelley after outperforming him in the summer. Nonetheless, both will be featured in short-yardage situations for the most.

Fullback

Starter

Gabe Nabers

Nabers is the only fullback on the roster. His primary responsibility will be to serve as an additional blocker and special teams ace, but he could get some targets through the air when short yards are needed.

Wide receiver

	Starter	Backup
WR1	Keenan Allen	K.J. Hill
WR2	Mike Williams	Jalen Guyton
WR3	Josh Palmer

The hope is that Williams is fully healthy by next weekend. Palmer sits above Guyton on the depth chart after proving himself as a reliable WR3 this summer, showing the ability to consistent get open and catch everything thrown his way. However, Guyton should still see the field quite a bit due to his speed. Plus, Joe Lombardi rotates his receivers on a consistent basis based on the defensive scheme. Hill will be a primary return specialist.

Tight end

	Starter	Backup	Reserve	Reserve
TE	Jared Cook	Donald Parham	Tre’ McKitty	Stephen Anderson

Nothing surprising here. Cook and Parham will be the primary pass-catching tight ends, while McKitty serves as an in-line blocker. Anderson brings receiving and blocking chops, but he was kept on the roster to be a key special teamer.

Offensive line

	Starter	Backup	Reserve
LT	Rashawn Slater	Trey Pipkins
LG	Matt Feiler	Brenden Jaimes
C	Corey Linsley	Scott Quessenberry
RG	Oday Aboushi
RT	Bryan Bulaga	Storm Norton

The starting five have been set in stone for awhile, so there aren’t any changes here. Norton will be the primary swing tackle, which means that he will slide in at the left or right tackle should an injury occur to Slater or Bulaga. Pipkins is still developing. Jaimes is the swing guard. Quessenberry is the swing center, with the ability to play any of the guard spots if needed.

Chargers announce team captains for 2021 season

Find out who will be the captains for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 season.

The Los Angeles Chargers have selected their leaders for the 2021 season.

The Chargers today announced their team captains for the upcoming season, which opens up on the road against The Washington Football Team.

Those selected were wide receiver Keenan Allen, edge defender Joey Bosa, running back Austin Ekeler, quarterback Justin Herbert, safety Derwin James, nose tackle Linval Joseph, center Corey Linsley and punter Ty Long.

Los Angeles’ season opener is on Sunday, Sept. 12 and will kickoff at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Chargers add 3 players to practice squad

The Chargers practice squad currently sits at 15.

The Chargers signed cornerback Brandon Facyson, defensive tackle Forrest Merrill and wide receiver Austin Proehl to the practice squad on Thursday.

Facyson and Merrill were waived to make room for safety Trey Marshall and defensive lineman Eric Banks on the 53-man roster on Wednesday.

The addition of the three brings the practice squad to 15 players, which means that Los Angeles has one remaining spot to fill.

Facyson was seen as a likely candidate to make the roster heading into the summer, but the coaching staff chose the versatility and special teams upside of Kemon Hall, Tevaughn Campbell and Marshall to round out the secondary.

Merrill made the initial cut, but the coaches felt like Banks was more of the type of defensive lineman that they wanted, which is why they made the tough decision to waive the undrafted free agent out of Arkansas even after a promising preseason.

Proehl started training camp on a strong note as a return specialist, but the Chargers ultimately decided to keep K.J. Hill. If Hill was to get hurt at any point during the season or he underperforms, there’s a possibility that Proehl could be promoted.

Status of Chargers’ swing tackle ahead of 2021 season

The Chargers are set with their starting tackles, but what about the primary backup?

The Chargers are locked in with Rashawn Slater and Bryan Bulaga as the starting tackles. But for a position group that has had bad luck with injuries, the next man up is just as important.

Heading into the 2021 season, it’s second-year Storm Norton who will be the primary swing tackle, according to Brandon Staley. Staley mentioned how pleased the staff has been with Norton’s development.

The swing tackle is the first-backup offensive lineman who can fill in at both left and right tackle if needed.

Joe Lombardi added that Norton is the preferred option at right tackle if Bulaga, who missed time last season, is out as opposed to moving Matt Feiler from guard outside and starting rookie Brenden Jaimes.

The decision to name Norton the team’s swing tackle comes after the summer in which he outperformed Trey Pipkins.

Pipkins, the former third-round selection, entered training camp with the expectation that he was going to take a step forward, but he had his fair of struggles in the preseason.

Staley admitted that he will need to improve, but Pipkins gives them depth at that position that they feel they’ll need moving forward.

Chargers’ updated 53-man roster

An updated look at the Chargers’ 53-man roster after a pair of moves made.

The Chargers released their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday.

Not even 24 hours passed and Los Angeles began tinkering with the roster, claiming two players on the waiver, thus releasing a pair in correspondence.

With that being said, here’s an updated look at the Bolts’ 53-man roster:

Offense

Quarterbacks (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick

Running backs (4): Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree III

Fullbacks (1): Gabe Nabers

Wide receivers (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer, K.J. Hill

Tight ends (4): Jared Cook, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty, Stephen Anderson

Offensive linemen (9): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Oday Aboushi, Bryan Bulaga, Trey Pipkins, Brenden Jaimes, Storm Norton, Scott Quessenberry

Defense

Defensive linemen (5): Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, Jerry Tillery, Christian Covington, Eric Banks*

Edge defender (4): Joey Bosa, Uchenna Nwosu, Kyler Fackrell, Chris Rumph II

Linebackers (5): Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill, Kyzir White, Nick Niemann, Amen Ogbongbemiga

Defensive backs (10): Michael Davis, Asante Samuel, Jr., Chris Harris, Jr., Tevaughn Campbell, Kemon Hall, Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, Alohi Gilman, Mark Webb, Trey Marshall*

Specialists (3): Tristan Vizcaino, Ty Long, Matt Overton

*** New addition