The Los Angeles Chargers rounded out their extended preseason with a 30-23 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. The game was fraught with costly mistakes from all three phases of the game, special teams in particular were in disarray. That said, at this unique time of the season the important takeaways are at an individual level as those who are vying for a full roster spot and those attempting to land on the practice squad, become the center of attention for one solitary weekend per season.
This week I won’t be given the luxury of waiting to review the All-22 as by the time I’m done with it, those fringe players will know their fate and social media will already be in reaction mode.
One caveat to make here is that if a notable player is not listed as being part of the Practice Squad, it’s because I feel they have enough of a market to be picked up by another team. Now, without further preamble, let’s dig into my predictions for how both the 53 man roster and practice squad will look like in 48 hours time.
Offense (25 on roster & 10 on Practice Squad)
Quarterbacks (2 & 1)
Justin Herbert and Trey Lance
D.J. Uiagalelei resigned to the Practice Squad.
Analysis: As much as the Chargers would like to retain Taylor Heineke to see if he’s got any residual trade value but the truth is that the risk/reward balance of this decision just doesn’t stack up. They’d have to make space elsewhere and trust me there just isn’t any wiggle room for luxury moves like this. D.J. has done enough to be an emergency quarterback but then again if Taylor somehow makes it through waivers he’d clearly be the preferred option.
Running backs (4 & 1)
Omarion Hampton, Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders, Hassan Haskins and Nyheim Miller-Hines
Jaret Patterson resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: I went back and forth on this one because it came down to what the Chargers actually value in their running backs behind the incumbent starters. For me, Nyheim represents a skillset the other three backs cannot replicate and he offers special teams upside as an electric returner (if the team trusts him to get over his issues with decision making). A big contributing factor here was the lacklustre performance of Kimani Vidal this summer.
Vidal has failed to build on his early signs of promise. He chops his feet at decision points, he doesn’t break tackles and he has a nasty habit of going down at the first sign of contact. I do believe another team who had a good grade on him will take a chance on his skillset hence why I don’t envision him making the PS. I also firmly believe the team held him out of this game to preserve his value in case a team doesn’t believe he’ll make it to them in the waiver order.
Raheim Sanders has been a revelation that has matched the hype and I’m delighted that he is basically a lock to be RB2 until Najee returns. This didn’t really need to feature in an article like this but how can you not talk about Rocket’s emergence!
Offensive Line (9 & 3)
Joe Alt, Mehki Becton, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Andre James, Branson Taylor and Ryan Nelson
Corey Stewart, Nash Jones and Josh Kaltenberger resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: This one was made surprisingly easy after the Week 2 game against the Rams however judging by the rotations last night, this may not be as easy for the Chargers’ coaching staff as it was for me. I’m yet to see the endzone angle footage of Branson Taylor’s first NFL game at Tackle but the team have previous little other choices and it’s worth keeping the 6th round pick around to see if he can be developed into something rather than relying on mercenary veterans or UDFA players to make the same leap.
I thought Ryan Nelson was easily the best backup outside of Andre James yet he played exclusively with the 3rd stringers in the last preseason game which makes me think the team aren’t seeing eye to eye with me on his performances.
This is the obvious position where the last two names on this list will likely be on the roster momentarily whilst Joe Hortiz finds other avenues because as a unit the play of the offensive line has been atrocious this offseason. These names may seem insignificant to the outcome of the season but the likelihood is that they will all feature in meaningful games so to accept subpar performances is not conducive to maximising the talents of the other parts of the roster.
Tight Ends / Fullbacks (4 & 2)
Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden II and Scott Matlock
Stevo Klotz and Thomas Yasminn resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: I came very close to putting Stevo Klotz on the 53 man roster due to his consistent development as a multi-tool asset that precisely fits Greg Roman’s vision for the F-back position. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes the team at all as he adds a route running dynamic neither of the Bash Brothers do.
However I think the team will stick with 4 players in the room as they should be able to pick up either Klotz or Tucker Fisk after waivers. Fisk would have been a roster lock for me even as late as the first half against the Rams but over the last six quarters his performance levels have dropped so far that he’s in consideration for missing out on the 53.
There is a last minute spanner in the works as Josh Harris was injured during the game and Fisk filled in as the team’s long snapper for the rest of the game. Should Harris’ injury be significant enough to miss time then Fisk will take his place on the 53.
Thomas Yasminn gets onto the PS regardless of whatever else happens thanks to the additional 17th Practice Squad slot the Chargers get as Yassmin was added via the International Pathway Program. That said, the team already swapped out Jordan Pretoria from this extra roster spot so they could do it again should they like someone better for it.
Wide Receivers (6 & 3)
Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Tre Harris, Keandre Lambert-Smith, Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis
Jalen Reagor, Dalevon Campbell and Luke Grimm resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: Derius Davis makes this roster simply because no one else was consistent enough to take the returner role away from him. The rest of the rostered group is self explanatory so I won’t waste any digital ink talking about it!
Reagor genuinely looked great against the 49ers and if he was healthy all off-season, he may have earned that sixth spot. I don’t think the team can afford to keep seven receivers around considering the offense is moving away from 11 personnel. Grimm and Campbell have shown their worth and I don’t think the team will want either player leaving the building.
Defense (25 on roster & 7 on Practice Squad)
Defensive Line (6 & 2)
Teair Tart, Da’Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Jamaree Caldwell, Otito Ogbonnia and Justin Eboigbe
Te’Rah Edwards resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: Under Mike Elston this unit has gone from being considered one of the weaker position groups to one of the strongest two seasons running. To have Eboigbe, an above average depth piece, as the last man in the rotation is a fantastic place to find yourself in. As Matlock seems to be shifting to a full time role on offense with emergency DL capabilities, the first man on the PS will be an important role. I think Te’Rah Edwards has shown enough to earn that however I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Nesta Jade Silvera sneak on as the last name as he has really held his own whenever he has been involved.
Harbaugh loves Christopher Hinton to a degree that someone should check their family lineage however, for me, the team can’t waste another year hoping he turns into a contributing player when his ceiling is the same as his floor.
Edit: I initially forgot to add Otito to this list despite him being in my notes (Thanks Tau for highlighting this oversight) however I think he makes the roster he’s a serviceable depth piece with experience on a very cheap contract however I do not envision him being the team beyond this year as his ceiling is very limited with no impact beyond taking on double teams.
Outside Linebackers (5 & 1)
Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard and Tremont Morris-Brash
Caleb Murphy and Garmon Randolph resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: This was by far the hardest decision to make and I think however this goes, the Bolts will be losing out on some talent. The trio of TMB, Caleb Murphy and Garmon Randolph have been excellent throughout all four games and each made big time plays that will stand out to inter-team scouts which makes this decision even harder. They all have different skill sets too which ups the ante to another degree. The ideal situation would be to trade away players in front of them but Kennard was a 4th round pick four months ago and Dupree just got an extension so neither are likely candidates.
There is also no escaping this: Kennard has looked far below the standard of the other three, his injury may have impacted his development but I’m sure alarm bells are going off in the front office as they’ll have to lose a guy who has looked great for someone who is trending in the wrong direction which is never an easy thing to stomach.
Randolph has more of a chance to land on the PS as he hasn’t got the clout that Caleb is currently carrying however I see a likely situation where neither are in Powder Blue come Week 1.
Inside Linebackers (5 & 1)
Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Emany Johnson and Marlowe Wax
Del’Shawn Phillips resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: We have reached what might be called my first controversial decision: despite the teams’ faith in Del’Shawn’s special teams ability, they should be taking steps to ensure neither Emany or Marlowe hit the open market as they have both been excellent. That to me spells a way for the Chargers to save the cost of Phillips’ contract whilst allowing two young ascending players to continue their progression. This is especially important due to Junior Colson’s poor showing to date.
On a scale of 1-10 how surprised would I be to see Junior moved on via a trade for a conditional Day 3 pick or even a cut? 4. That’s how far below the standard his tape has been. It puts the team in a tough position but I don’t expect them to act hastily due to his convenient injury.
Cornerbacks (5 & 2)
Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Benjamin St-Juste and Nikko Reed
Ja’Sir Taylor and Eric Rogers resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: There should be no questions about it, Nikko Reed has played well enough to force his way onto the roster both on defense and on special teams where he has made a genuine impact. My favorite rep of his was matching an Out N Up route from the slot with an effortless hip flip, that kind of coverage in the slot gets the attention of coaches. I therefore project him to take Ja’Sir Taylor’s roster spot.
This is a hopeful attempt of manifestation due to the limitations of Taylor which have become evident over the last few seasons. The team can and should improve on their slot options when Derwin James is not out in the apex. Taylor’s special teams contributions are not to the point where he is untouchable, it’s far easier to find a good gunner than it is to have a secure slot corner with starter upside. Reed provides that and it’s time for the team to act with courage to really nail home the ‘competitors welcome’ mantra.
Safeties (4 & 1)
Derwin James, Elijah Molden, Alohi Gilman and R.J. Mickens
Tony Jefferson and Kendall Williamson resigned to the Practice Squad
Analysis: I’m glad I don’t have to be the one to walk into the personnel meeting and cut Tony Jefferson once again but someone will likely have to do just that given R.J. Mickens’ exponential growth this summer. You know how important a young player is to the team when they go down with an injury mid-game and you spend a chunk of time looking for #27 coming back on to the field at the start of every defensive drive. If the team can find a way to carry a fifth safety it will be the easiest decision they’ll have to make all year to bring Unc back into the fold.
I’ll hold out hope that he stays with the Chargers in one capacity or another because he’s had such a positive impact on the secondary and the wider team.
Specialists (3)
Kicker (1)
Cameron Dicker
Punter (1)
J.K. Scott
Long Snapper (1)
Josh Harris
Roster Exemptions (3)
Najee Harris on NFI
Deane Leonard and Junior Colson on PUP
This front office has shown it will pull every lever to unlock even the smallest mechanism to have extra roster spots. All three of the players listed above are important yet banged up so I expect them to be retained outside of the 53 as far as possible.
Your turn Stormcloud
Now it’s time for comments and your opinions about the decisions I have projected above or platform your own predictions for what is to come over the next few days.
Another great article, Ryan.
I’m a little surprised by all the talk from Popper and other commenters around Tucker Fisk’s spot being in jeopardy.
I think he’s made most posts a winner, even developing into an unlikely receiving option. I guess we’ll find out soon enough, but I feel like he embodies most things G-Ro is looking for and has been a plus performer.
I think Caleb Murphy has flashed as a DPR whereas Morris-Brash is the more reliable run defender. With what this team’s Edge group is presently lacking, I give Murphy the nod slightly.
P.S. If Emany Johnson and Marlowe Wax both make the 53, I’ll have Andy shout you some beers on my behalf when he visits later this year. No chance! 😀
Kenny Pickett to Raiders for a 6th rounder if that gives any indication of what Heinicke could bring in trade. Lance would probably go for a 5th, but that would leave the cupboard bare. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.
Unrelated, Garafolo posted that Rice was released. Weird that he would get released separately instead of as a group of a dozen or more guys.
Ryan this is the second time you’ve mentioned Emany Johnson. Nobody is talking about him. I really hope he sticks in some way roster or opportunity squad. I think he’s been balling out considering he just switched positions. The athletic traits are there, the RAS is beyond solid. The only thing he didnt excel in was bench. He’s got the length at 6’2 to add some weight. Dude has STs experience as well. Only 24 years old. You gotta believe this guy could contribute in the kicking game enough to get him a look as a developmental off ball linebacker. I think I’ll write an article about him if the Chargers are able to retain him.
Deliberately didn’t read this until recording/posting our TDU show. Will read and comment tomorrow!
Great post Kyle. A few comments (that I didn’t cover below):
Did you mean great post Ryan, since he’s the author of the article?
I don’t see Taylor offering enough to any team to keep him as trade bait. Maybe until Hortiz finds another OL to add but not long term. DJU to the PS. If we get beyond Herbert or Lance does it matter?
Like the TDU guys said, you ask Fickens how much Taylor means on ST. I’d cut him for Reed. Competitors welcome, right?
Say what you will about Davis but no one has stepped up to take the return duties away and I don’t believe there’s another WR that’s that much better for the 6th spot. Again, ask Fickens.
Not particularly happy that Matlock at FB continues but it does. I think you keep Fisk too, especially in light of the loss of Slater and minimal OL depth.
Colson…so far a real disappointment. I doubt they cut bait there….yet….but I think they could to make room for another baller like Phillips. I suppose IR is the right move and the one to be made. I just haven’t seen much there. Is Dye gonna stay over these younger guys? Not a knock on Dye but are competitors gonna be rewarded or is that just a line?
Kind of bizarre that you would single Dye out here. He played great last season and has had a great offseason. His roster spot has never been in jeopardy.
No more so than you consistently singling out Davis.
I “singled him out” because we have some young guys who I believe have earned a shot and I like to see in-house development.
Yes, good article RYAN (I should have known Kyle couldn’t create something this high quality…;)
Both Coleson and Kennard have not earned their roster spots but will get one anyway. Draft position and the tape both put down in college will provide them with NFL paychecks in 2025. Junior better figure shit out if he wants a job in 2026.
I think Dye is pretty clearly the 3rd best LB on the team. He’s going to be on the field a lot, both on ST and when Perryman inevitably gets hurt.
Like I said, not knocking Dye and you and Tau are correct, he’s played well. I just would really like to see the effort and results of these younger guys rewarded.
Its a good instinct. The team needs a mix of vets who know how to play the game and young talent the team can build around. Telesco’s approach to finding vets was sign the super-stars, which more often than not blew up in his face. Hortiz finds lunch pail guys like Dye that can play the game at an above average level and contribute on ST.
I don’t disagree with this at all or Dye’s roster spot. I just tend to pull for the underdogs, probably to a fault.
I snorted reading this in bed 😂
In the words of esteemed scholar Jeffrey Spicoli…
“You dick!”
😂
Sorry brother. You know I was kidding…
Where’s that damn sarcasm font,
Kyle DeDiminicantanio?!?! 😉😆
😆😆😆
Dang. I just penciled this, so let’s see.
I don’t know if Josh Harris is injured, so that would change things. But here goes:
ST: Harris, Dicker, Scott.
QB: Herbert, Lance.
No one is trading for Heinicke at this point, and I think DJ is the PS emergency QB. (2/1)
RB: Harris on IR, Hampton, Haskins, Miller-Hines, Sanders.
Vidal hits PS, Paterson is set adrift. (4/1)
FB: Matlock. I don’t love it, but I’m resigned to it. (1/0)
WR: Ladd, Keenan, QJ, Tre, KLS (or Dre, as he prefers), Davis
Raegor, Campbell on PS with maybe Grimm (6/2)
TE: Conklin, Dissly, Gadsden, Fisk
Fisk as backup LS (4/0)
OL: Alt, Zion, Bozeman, Becton, Pipkins
James, Salyer, Taylor
PS Kaltenberger, Jones, Barnhart. Sharpe gets unprotected. (8/3)
That’s 25 on offense with 7 PS guys.
IDL: Tart, Caldwell, Tito, Hand, Eboigbe, Jones.
I don’t love Hand, but Edwards on PS and Matlock hangs out here. (6/1)
OLB/EDGE: Mack, Tuli, Bud, Kennard, Murphy.
I hate leaving Morris-Brash off here, as he’s better than Kennard and probably better than Dupree right now, but here we are. (5/1)
ILB: Henley, Perryman, Dye, Colson, Phillips
Wax may very well get swooped up here, but there are only so many spots. (5/1)
CB: Jackson, Still, Hart, St. Juste, Reed
That leaves Taylor, Leonard, and Bridges dangling. (5/3)
S: Derwin, Alohi, Molden, Mickens
Jefferson has his noblesse, and Emany Johnson is a dude. (4/2)
if my math is correct, that’s 25/25 with 7 PS on offense, 8 PS on defense, leaving the team with two open spots to drag more O Linemen into the fold.
I don’t know how it’s all going to shake out on Tuesday, but that’s my best guess.
Great thoughts. Not much I disagree with. .
I spent six years in the NOLA pull, and I have to say I have no idea how that team runs anything. (I moved there in 2009 and had the best Super Bowl of all time in the French Quarter. I mean, it was stupid. I don’t have the bandwidth to tell you even half of the stories.)
The only reason no one will trade for Heinicke right now is bc the time has run out. Any team knows that he’s likely to get cut, so no GM is going to give up even a 6th rounder for him. They could PS him, as no one is going to sign DJ either, so we’ll see if Hortiz can work a little magic.
As for the CBs, Minter and Clinckscale could line me up as CB3 and I’d do ok. (I’m forty pounds over my “playing weight” and I’ll turn 53 on opening night in Brazil.) I like Leonard a whole lot better than Taylor, and I don’t think Ficken, as terrific as he is, gets to claim everyone at the bottom of the roster. From everything I’ve heard and read, the CB room for the Chargers needs nothing but bodies. So I think churning CBs is something that this team is willing to do. But, man, Bridges needs to show up.
I went to the Chargers SB in Miami. We need to share stories over a beverage at some point.
Teams waiting for Heinicke to be cut is exactly the reason why I think he’s on the initial roster. When he’s not cut, someone will pay something for him.
I would be quite surprised if Heinicke makes the final 53 at this point, solely to facilitate a trade. The Chargers are going to have to waive/release most of these players: RB Vidal and/or Miller-Hines; TE Fisk; Edge Morris-Brash; LB Wax; CBs Reed, Rogers, and Purchase; and S Williamson. Every one of those players could make a contribution on the field this season if called upon. Heinicke couldn’t unless the situation was so dire the season is likely over. Trading him for a future 7th round pick just isn’t worth giving up one of these players.
I would also be very surprised if Taylor and Leonard are waived. In my final 53 prediction today, I predicted Leonard to IR designated to return on Tuesday and Taylor to make the roster, since he is widely regarded as the team’s best gunner, and it is believed Ficken wants him.
I get the logic and mostly agree with it. Not sure if Hortiz is viewing the decisions that way. This is more of a multi-dimensional chess match. The Chargers have ~57 players they want to keep and a handful of players they have to keep (Colson, Kennard). The game now is who can you sneak through waivers, who can you stash on a list and who do you keep, knowing that you’re not going to play them.
Again, I agree with who the better players are. I just think that doesn’t matter as much as who they think think they can keep.
Digesting the article (and an glass of wine).
Living in Falcon country… Just saw that Easton Stick beat out Ben DiNucci as the backup QB (
Bold calls I see here:
Other comments:
Good read, thanks.
Good discussion. Agree with most of your comments.
Well, I posted my own roster prediction before Ryan’s and it seems no one has noticed yet. I predicted Fisk to the practice squad, and he was my first player out.
I’m aware of Jefferson’s status as a vested vet, but supposedly Baltimore is looking for a veteran safety, and Jefferson played there before. So I doubt the team wants to take a chance on letting him hit free agency. Another team like Baltimore could offer him more money, and this could be his last chance at a contract like that. Splitting time between the Chargers practice squad and active roster means he will earn less than $1M… and in high tax CA. How certain are you that he wouldn’t prefer a $2M contract with Baltimore to stay on their active roster?
I read the post – thank you for putting the time in. I always enjoy the thought and logic you put into your posts.
Regarding Jefferson, the Ravens could have signed Tony this offseason, but didn’t. I have the feeling that the Chargers are going to hire him after his playing days are over. We know he wants to work in the industry. Chad Alexander is going to get a GM role soon. Tony could step into the Assistant GM role.
No chance Jefferson steps into Alexander’s role. Come on, Kev.
Alexander had 25 years of NFL experience before getting that assistant GM role. He was director of player personnel for the Jets for 5 seasons; assistant director of player personnel for the Ravens for 9 seasons before that; and 11 years as an area scout, pro scout and personnel assistant for the Ravens before that.
Certainly Jefferson may have a job with the Chargers when his playing career is over, but that is probably true independent of whether or not he plays for the Chargers in 2025.
Kev might be wrong about the position/time frame but he’s not wrong to say Jefferson will be working for the Chargers after his playing career. That appears probable just by the way he speaks about the team particularly Minter and the way they speak about him
That’s why I wrote:
Tony is from so cal. You really think he’s gonna ship out to Baltimore for a little extra cheddar. I dont
Yes, I do think it is at least possible. He played for Baltimore from 2017 to 2021.
Thanks for highlighting that I’d missed Otito off (he was in my notes) and that solves the total number issue.
As for players like Fisk, Heineke and Vidal I wrote this from the perspective that they’d get picked up on their way down to the Practice Squad. There are 31 other teams making calls and they’re all good enough to win a job on some of the less deep rosters. I’ve added a note to explain my process now so thanks again for highlighting.