The Los Angeles Chargers are heading into training camp with plenty still unsettled, and the biggest decisions are spread all over the roster. Mike McDaniel’s new offense is already in motion, along with a fresh wave of free agents and rookies, but the real work now is trimming things down to the best 53 and sorting out who sticks around on the practice squad.
Quarterback is one of the cleaner spots on the board. Trey Lance gives the Chargers one of the stronger backup situations in the league, while DJ Uiagalelei looks like a long shot to crack the 53-man roster. Even so, the team could try to keep him around in another way as a third quarterback.
At running back, Kimani Vidal looks like a possible cut or trade name if the Chargers believe Keaton Mitchell can stay healthy. There’s also value in the group because of special teams, and Gregory Desrosiers brings some upside that could matter as camp unfolds.
Wide receiver is where things get especially murky. Tre Harris could wind up as the No. 1 option, and after KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the rest of the room looks vulnerable.
The Chargers could still bring in another receiver through free agency, trade or the waiver wire. Outside of drafting Brenen Thompson, this was the quietest non-quarterback position for McDaniel in terms of new additions.
Tight end has its own open-ended feel. David Njoku is a name to watch for a revival, and if that happens he would slot ahead of Charlie Kolar at minimum. Beyond that, the depth chart is wide open.
Up front, the starting five mostly looks settled except for the guard spots. Cole Strange seems to have one job locked in, while rookie Jake Slaughter is projected for the other as long as he handles the move from center.
Behind them, Trey Pipkins, Trevor Penning and Kayode Awosika all bring useful versatility, and Awosika was even taking first-team reps earlier in the offseason. The rest of the line remains up for grabs.
On the edge, undrafted free agent Nadame Tucker is a name to watch closely, especially since he played under new coordinator Chris O’Leary in college. He could push veteran Bud Dupree for a spot. The Chargers are also counting on first-rounder Akheem Mesidor to contribute quickly and help offset the loss of Odafe Oweh.
Linebacker is straightforward for now, though not without questions. The team is waiting for Junior Colson to return and play up to his draft status, but he could also become a sneaky cut candidate if Marlowe Wax keeps turning heads.
The secondary looks like one of the deeper parts of the roster. Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart are strong bets to start, while Eric Rogers and Nikko Reed have shown enough upside to justify a longer look. Deane Leonard’s specialist value should help keep him safe, and the rest of the group has a much harder path.
Derwin James is expected to spend more time at corner and in hybrid roles again, which helps lock in spots for Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson and RJ Mickens. Draft pick Genesis Smith is another intriguing name, with a real chance not only to make the roster but to work his way into the rotation thanks to his athletic profile.
In Other News...
Chargers Camp Could Force A Tough Call On One Young Receiver
KeAndre Lambert-Smith heads into training camp with a real fight on his hands, and that is what makes the Chargers receiver room one of the more interesting parts of this roster. The second-year wideout did not get much going as a rookie, and with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, Derius Davis and rookie Brenen Thompson all in the mix, every rep is going to matter in a group that looks crowded from top to bottom.
The challenge for Lambert-Smith is simple enough to understand and hard enough to solve: the Chargers may not have room for everyone when the initial roster is set. If the team trims the receiver group down to five or six, camp and preseason work will be the only way for him to separate himself from the pack, and that kind of pressure can turn a routine summer into a defining stretch for a young player. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers May Have Found More O-Line Help For Justin Herbert
The Chargers kept building around Justin Herbert in the draft by adding another offensive lineman, taking Alex Harkey in the sixth round to bolster a unit they have already tried to reinforce through free agency and earlier draft moves. Harkey brings the kind of profile teams look for in the later rounds: size, versatility and enough physical upside to develop into useful depth after stops at Texas State, Colorado and Oregon.
For Los Angeles, the appeal is obvious after the recent injury issues up front. Harkey can help at guard or tackle, which gives the Chargers some flexibility as they try to protect Herbert and survive the grind of a long season, but he still has work to do before he becomes more than a developmental piece in a crowded room. [Read more 🡒]