The Chargers have gone through 10 days of practices and will kick off their preseason this weekend against the Rams.
So it feels like a good time for another 53-man roster projection.
Los Angeles has 90 players on its roster. They must be down to 85 players by Aug. 16, to 80 players by Aug. 23, and 53 by Aug. 30.
Here’s our latest projection:
Quarterbacks (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick
In a perfect world, the Chargers keep two quarterbacks and save one of those roster spots for another position group. But in reality, I believe they elect to keep three for the sake of continuity, and they could envision Stick being Herbert’s backup once Daniel retires.
Running backs (4): Austin Ekeler, Isaiah Spiller, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree III
There has not been much to suggest who has the leg up on the battle to become Ekeler’s backup. But once preseason play begins, we will have a larger sample size to gauge. In my initial projections, I had Kevin Marks Jr. making the team, but he nor the other undrafted free agent, Leddie Brown, have generated any buzz. That could change in the coming weeks.
Fullbacks (1): Zander Horvath
The fullbacks haven’t gotten many opportunities to shine in camp up to this point, but Horvath has stood out more as a pass-catcher.
Wide receivers (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Josh Palmer, DeAndre Carter, Jalen Guyton
No changes here except for where the receivers should sit on the depth chart. Palmer has played his way into the third wide receiver role, standing out with his ability to get consistently open and catch everything. Carter, who was seen as just a return man, has surpassed Guyton, given he has looked sharp catching the football and has scored more touchdowns than any pass-catcher during team period drills. Guyton has not been given many opportunities, but he has still flashed his speed.
Tight ends (3): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty
No changes here. However, Hunter Kampmoyer has made his case to the team to keep four tight ends. Kampmoyer has gotten reps with the first team offense and has worked as Drue Tranquill’s replacement on special teams.
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins III, Storm Norton, Jamaree Salyer, Brenden Jaimes, Will Clapp
No changes here.
Defensive line (6): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Breiden Fehoko, Jerry Tillery
Joseph-Day, Johnson, and Fox are pretty much set as the starters. The real battle here is on the back end, where I’m leaving Christian Covington off the projection this time around. Fehoko has had a very strong training camp and brings more as a run defender than Covington or Tillery. In addition, the quotes about Tillery have seemed increasingly pessimistic, which could lead to Covington snagging that spot instead.
Edge rusher (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Chris Rumph II, Jamal Davis II
Bosa, Mack, and Rumph are secure. But with Kyle Van Noy primarily working at linebacker, a fourth spot is up for grabs between Davis, Ty Shelby, and Emeke Ebgule. I lean Davis because he’s been the most consistently solid throughout camp. Brandon Staley has emphasized consistency as one of the team’s main evaluation criteria this offseason.
Linebacker (5): Kyle Van Noy, Drue Tranquill, Kenneth Murray Jr., Troy Reeder, Nick Niemann
Amen Ogbongbemiga and Damon Lloyd both have compelling cases here, but it’s hard to find a spot for them unless the Chargers are carrying six linebackers, possibly at the expense of a sixth defensive lineman. Van Noy, Tranquill, Murray, and Reeder will all see extensive time. Niemann is the best special teamer of the remaining trio, which gives him the edge.
Cornerback (5): JC Jackson, Asante Samuel Jr., Bryce Callahan, Michael Davis, Deane Leonard
I could see the Chargers keep six corners, as both Tevaughn Campbell and Ja’Sir Taylor are tough cuts here. Davis has struggled in camp, but the financial investment the team has made in him makes me think he’s still a lock for the roster. Leonard has been the star of training camp, even working with the first team defense in stretches. Campbell and Taylor have been a bit more up and down, but Campbell has veteran knowledge of the system and Taylor has been receiving one-on-one coaching from Brandon Staley.
Safety (5): Derwin James Jr., Nasir Adderley, JT Woods, Mark Webb Jr., Alohi Gilman
I’m confident in five safeties making the team. The battle is for playing time – James and Adderley are the clear starters, but James also moves around a ton. Woods is the favorite to take over the two high roles when James moves down into the box, but Webb has been getting first-team reps while James continues negotiating his contract extension. Gilman has been quieter but did get first-team reps to open camp. I still think recent camp standout Raheem Layne is more likely to end up as a premium practice squad addition, but a strong showing in the preseason could push Webb and Gilman.
Specialists (3): K Dustin Hopkins, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris
No changes made here.