The Chargers constructed their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday.
While the majority of the spots filled were to be expected, there were still a couple of surprises, like two undrafted free agents making the cut and letting go of the best offensive lineman of the summer.
Let’s take a look at how social media reacted:
2 of my Top 5 UDFAs (Elijah Dotson & AJ Finley) made the roster!! https://t.co/xGTr6yMx4i
— Garrett Sisti (@GarrettSisti) August 29, 2023
DB AJ Finley making the Chargers roster is a shocker based on the rotations that were happening at camp and in the preseason games. Seemed very clear that Mark Webb was significantly ahead of him on the depth chart. (I liked Finley’s college tape a lot FWIW.)
— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) August 29, 2023
AJ Finley arguably the biggest roster surprise for the #Chargers
— Dan W. (@DanWSports) August 29, 2023
Some definite surprises this year like UDFA safety AJ Finley coming out of nowhere to make the 53-man roster. Rookie RB Elijah Dotson found a way to make it as well after his explosive preseason.
The big one I would disagree with is keeping Brenden Jaimes over Zack Bailey. https://t.co/B6c6Oo0G4i
— Daniel Wade (@dantalkssports) August 29, 2023
I definitely did not see Brenden Jaimes and AJ Finley making the initial 53. Good for the two UDFAs (Elijah Dotson and Finley) for making it!
What will change over the next few days? 🤔 https://t.co/8e3opLu6zP
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) August 29, 2023
AJ Finley is the surprise to make the roster. I don’t think anyone had him making it at all.
— ⚡️Rich⚡️ (@Richardgoesblah) August 29, 2023
What I am surprised about the #Chargers 53 man roster
AJ Finley over Mark Webb
Elijah Dotson (and 4 running backs) compared to six wide receivers
David Moa being cut with Otito Ogbonnia on the pup (or even Jerrod Clark)
Brenden Jaimes over Zack Bailey
— ChargersMuse (@ChargersMuse) August 29, 2023
4 RBs, 4 TEs, only 5 WRs, is certainly, once again, a choice.
That said, it’s hard to argue this time, that this was the wrong move. Beyond those 5 WRs, nobody really impressed in the preseason, and those that impressed in camp missed time.
Smartt and Dotson earned their spots.
— Jason Balliet (@Syntari13) August 29, 2023
What a day for Elijah Dotson, the pride of the 916 from his days at Antelope HS and Sacramento State and who finished at Northern Colorado.
He made the LA Chargers final 53-man roster. Not easy. But he goes by Eazy. Dreams do come true. @eazzzydot pic.twitter.com/xUF44dDXYC— Joe Davidson (@SacBee_JoeD) August 29, 2023
Elijah Dotson on the roster?!?!
4 RB’s & 1 FB.
Sheeeeeeeeshhhh
— #Chargers ⚡️ (@BoltsCity1) August 29, 2023
The only shocker to me is Brenden Jaimes over Zack Bailey but:
Jaimes is 2 years younger ✌️
Provides flexibility and C/G/T ⚡️
Was barely behind Zack Bailey in PFF grade this preseason. 👀 pic.twitter.com/dfE109xQI5
— Michael Maclane (@Michael_Maclane) August 29, 2023
Zack Bailey is a pretty shocking cut tbh. Was the only good OL depth piece this preseason outside of Clapp and Jaimes.
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) August 29, 2023
The Chargers cutting Zack Bailey puts a whole lotta unnecessary pressure on Jordan McFadden and Foster Sarell imo. Really wish they had decided to keep him.
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) August 29, 2023
The Chargers keeping Brenden Jaimes over Zack Bailey tells me that if someone gets hurt Jamaree Salyer will kick back to tackle and Jordan McFadden will come in at guard.
— Bolt Beat (@BB_Chargers) August 29, 2023