Los Angeles Chargers have 35 players as locks to make 53-man roster

Travis Wakeman

Los Angeles Chargers have 35 players as locks to make 53-man roster image

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to embark on their first preseason game under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The team has had a productive training camp and many of the roster spots on this team are already set, but there will still be plenty to be decided in the preseason. 

Looking at the current 90-man roster, 35 players can safely be put on the 53-man roster, in all likelihood. That leaves 18 spots still to be decided. That could be a bit of a bold prediction, but considering how Jim Harbaugh will build this team, I like their chances. 

If these 35 players are locks to make the roster, where does the remainder of the final 53-man squad come from?

35 Chargers who are locks to make final roster

Quarterback

Justin Herbert

The only QB who is safe is Justin Herbert. Easton Stick likely makes it as his backup, but he will have to fend off Max Duggan and the newly signed Luis Perez. 

Running back

Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins

The Chargers almost certainly won't cut sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal, but is there a chance they could keep Jaret Patterson and/or Isaiah Spiller over him? Sure. It's a very small chance, though. 

Wide receiver

Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, D.J. Chark, Quentin Johnston

Tight end

Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst

There may not be a clear starter between these two right now, but they'll both make the team. 

Offensive line

Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer

Bradley Bozeman will almost certainly be the starting center, but there is still a chance someone takes his job. 

Defensive line

Morgan Fox, Justin Eboigbe, Poona Ford

This might be the toughest position group to predict and there may not be many sure things. Justin Eboigbe, taken in the fourth round, likely won't be a starter but he's definitely making the team. 

Edge rusher

Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipolotu, Bud Dupree

This is pretty self-explanatory and seems easy to envision. The Chargers have a chance to have one of the best pass-rushing groups in the league with this quartet. 

Inside linebacker

Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman

It's tempting to put Troy Dye here as well and he will most likely make the team, but he still has to hold off some guys before that is realized. 

Cornerback

Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Ja'Sir Taylor

This is a good, young group. Kristian Fulton has solidified himself as a starter with a terrific camp

Safety

Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, A.J. Finley

The starters are clear. A.J. Finley should easily make the team as well. 

Specialists

Cameron Dicker, J.K. Scott, Josh Harris

There is no other competition for any of these positions, so this will be your kicker, punter and long snapper this season. 

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Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman Photo

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.