Bolts From The Blue
Here’s our first attempt at predicting the Chargers’ final 53-man roster.
The Chargers are 1-0 this preseason after trouncing the Lions 34-7 on Thursday night in the annual Hall of Fame Game.
After each preseason game, we’re going to throw up a 53-man roster prediction based on the team’s most recent performance. Here’s our first exercise after Thursday night.
Enjoy!
Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance
The Chargers kept three quarterbacks last year and I believe they will do the same this year. Heinicke is a trsut-worthy backup with starting experience. Lance showed improvement from last preseason to now with his two-touchdown performance against the Lions in the Hall of Fame Game.
Similar to the 49ers getting a fourth-round pick from the Cowboys in a trade for Lance, the Chargers could end up earning themselves a late pick on day three from a QB-needy team if Lance continues to show progression during the 2025 preseason.
Running back (5): Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Nyheim Miller-Hines, Scott Matlock (FB)
The jury is still out on exactly how injured Harris is following the fireworks accident. Until we get some clear idea of his return to the field, this is Hampton’s backfield. Haskins is an elite special teamer and the newly-signed Miller-Hines provides depth and return ability. Matlock played more fullback than defensive tackle in 2024 so I expect him to do the same again in 2025.
Wide Receiver (5): Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis
The Chargers will still want to run the football all the same in 2025, only better and more efficiently this season. They added two exciting rookies in Harris and KLS, both of whom have popped in training camp thus far. Davis is also coming along in year three while providing All-Pro level return ability.
Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Ordonde Gadsden II, Tucker Fisk
The tight end room this year is like a basketball team. Dissly is your center. Conklin is a power forward. Gadsden is a stretch forward/shooting guard, and Fisk is your enforcer (yes, that’s the position name).
They’ve got a guy for every job they could ask one of them to do and some even have a decent amount of overlap within their skillsets. I like this group. I think they’ve got a high floor and will surprise this season.
Offensive linemen (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins II, Branson Taylor, Ryan Nelson
Nine has always been a good number for the Chargers as far as the number of linemen to keep and I think that continues this season. Until they officially announce anything different, I expect the starting five to be the same as last year minus Becton in place of Pipkins. Salyer and Pipkins both provide the most versatility at guard and tackle (and now center for the former).
Nelson has been praised by Harbaugh already so I like his chances after coming over...
