The dust is still settling on the 2024 NFL Draft which would make this one of those "way too early" looks at the 53-man roster. But it's both fun to do and gives fans a good gauge of which players to keep an eye on this summer.
The Chargers are going through a change following a horrendous 5-12 season that led to the dismissal of head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz filled those spots and are leading a rebuild of the Chargers, though the team is much better than its record last year.
It will be a different Chargers, built in Harbaugh's vision. Here is an early look at how his 53-man roster will look to open the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Chargers 53-man roster prediction
Quarterback (2)
Justin Herbert, Easton Stick
Cuts: Max Duggan, Casey Bauman
This seems pretty straightforward. Could Max Duggan push Easton Stick for a spot? Maybe. But the Chargers could do better than both of them in terms of a No. 2 quarterback.
Running Back (5)
Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Elijah Dotson, Ben Mason (fullback)
Cuts: Isaiah Spiller, Jaret Patterson
Kimani Vidal is an exciting rookie behind the two former Ravens and Elijah Dotson, who looked great in the preseason last year, will have another strong summer to convince the team to move on from Isaiah Spiller.
Wide Receiver (6)
Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Derrius Davis, Brenden Rice, Cornelius Johnson
Cuts: Simi Fehoko, Jaylen Johnson, Jaelen Gill, Leon Johnson III
The Chargers have built a nice wide receiver room after moving on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson, each drafted in the seventh round, are pegged for a spot for now, but the signing of another veteran is still possible.
Tight End (3)
Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr.
Cuts: Stone Smartt, Zach Heins
No real surprises here and the team will lean on at least one of its free-agent signings in a big way in the passing game.
Offensive Line (9)
Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Jamaree, Salyer, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins III, Jordan McFadden, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarell
Cuts: Tyler Smith, Karsen Barnhart, Brent Laing, Bucky Williams, Willis Patrick, Tyler McClellan
Harbaugh is going to want a stout offensive line that bullies teams on the field. Most of this group seems set but it will be interesting to see if one of the undrafted players can push a guy like Brenden James or Foster Sarell.
Defensive Line (5)
Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe, Chris Hinton
Cuts: Scott Matlock, Savion Jackson, Jerrod Clark, CJ Okoye, Michael Mason
This group could stand to be improved from where it currently sits, so don't rule out another free agent being brought in. The last spot will come down to Chris Hinton, Scott Matlock or Jerrod Clark. As of this moment, the nod goes to Hinton.
Outside Linebacker (4)
Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipolotu, Chris Rumph II
Cuts: Ty Shelby, Brevin Allen, Andrew Farmer II
This is probably the easiest position group on the roster to predict.
Inside Linebacker (5)
Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye
Cuts: Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste
This group also seems pretty cut and dry. Junior Colson may prove to be one of the best value picks of this entire draft class.
Cornerback (6)
Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja'Sir Taylor, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Thomas Harper
Cuts: Deane Leonard, Matt Hankins, Zamari Walton, Chris Wilcox, Robert Kennedy
This is going to be a young group and it could be the true weakness of this team unless rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still make a quick impact. Undrafted free agent Thomas Harper does enough to become one of two undrafted players to make this team.
Safety (5)
Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, A.J. Finley, JT Woods, Akeem Dent
Akeem Dent becomes the second undrafted player to make the roster. They decide to keep a fifth safety for depth and special teams help.
Specialists (3)
Placekicker: Cameron Dicker
Punter: JK Scott
Long snapper: Josh Harris
