The Chargers have finished a week of training camp, giving us a glimpse into some key roster battles thus far. There have been changes, including the retirement of Mike Williams.
That inevitably opens up a spot in the wide receiver room, something to keep an eye on in this roster projection. Without further ado, let’s give an updated prediction on the Chargers’ 53-man roster for 2025.
Quarterback (3)
Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance
It’s hard to imagine this group changing before the start of the regular season. As of now, Heinicke has the headstart on the No. 2 role given his experience both in the league and with Los Angeles.
Running back (4)
Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins
Vidal should have a spot on this year’s roster while the fourth spot remains up in the air. Haskins is the current projected fourth, but expect that to change as the Chargers are eyeing free agent tailbacks. They recently signed Nyheim Hines, but he hasn’t played over the past two seasons. Raheim Sanders has an uphill battle to make the roster, given that he’s been out since the first day of camp.
Wide receiver (6)
Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis, Jalen Reagor
Reagor is the immediate beneficiary of Williams’ retirement here. It’s not purely based on that either, as Reagor flashed some big plays in the first week of training. The veteran’s abilities on special teams only helps his case even more, and he earns the nod over the likes of Brenden Rice and Dez Fitzpatrick.
Tight end (4)
Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden II, Stevo Klotz
Gadsden was arguably the standout of the first week of training camp. The rookie could have a decent role in Year 1 given the lack of top-end talent in this room. Similar to Gavino’s projection, Klotz remains on the roster due to his extensive abilities on special teams.
Offensive line (9)
Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Mekhi Becton, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Andre James, Branson Taylor
Don’t expect this group to change much at all, if any, ahead of Week 1. Slater and Becton have missed practice time which has allowed the likes of Salyer and Pipkins to get extra reps at the start of camp.
Edge rusher (4)
Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard
This may be the most set-in-stone position group on the roster. The starters are clearly Mack and Tuipulotu with the veteran Dupree and rookie Kennard filling in on off the bench.
Defensive line (6)
Naquan Jones, Da’Shawn Hand, Teair Tart, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe, Jamaree Caldwell
Jones, Hand, and Tart are the three that have seen the first-team snaps along the defensive line. It’ll be interesting to see who separates themselves from this group and earns a starting role for Week 1.
Linebacker (5)
Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Del’Shawn Phillips
Henley has picked up where he left off in 2024 and will look to have another stellar campaign. Dye figures to be a lock given their special-teams traits.
Cornerback (5)
Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Benjamin St-Juste, Deane Leonard
Hart, Still and Jackson will be the starters, while St-Juste and Leonard will serve as depth. Ja’Sir Taylor doesn’t make the cut.
Safety (4)
Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, R.J. Mickens
The rookie Mickens has been another standout in the early stages of camp. The team could keep Tony Jefferson as the fifth safety, but ultimately keep four, leaving the veteran Jefferson as a practice squad player.
Special teams (3)
Cameron Dicker (K), Josh Harris (LS), J.K. Scott (P)
This group likely goes untouched as well.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers 53-man roster projection as pads come on at training camp
Reporting by Spencer Schultz and Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
