The 2025 NFL Draft is complete, and the LA Chargers have brought in nine new additions to the team. With roster spots at a premium, these newcomers aren’t just competing for playing time—they’re battling to secure their place on the team.
Much can change between now and the preseason. The Chargers still have the flexibility to make free-agent signings to address remaining needs on the 53-man roster. It’s entirely possible that a player not currently on the roster ends up making a major impact in the coming months.
That said, let’s take a closer look at how the roster is currently shaping up.
Chargers 53-man roster prediction:
Quarterbacks (3): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance
Running Backs (4): Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal
Fullback (1): Scott Matlock
Wide Receivers (6): Tre Harris, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Mike Williams, Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Tight Ends (3): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden II
Offensive Linemen (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Andre James, Branson Taylor
Interior Defensive Linemen (6): Teair Tart, Da’Shawn Hand, Otitio Ogbonnia, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Naquan Jones
EDGE Rushers (4): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard
Linebackers (5): Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Del’Shawn Phillips
Cornerbacks (5): Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Deane Leonard, Benjamin St-Juste
Safeties (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, R.J. Mickens
Special Teams (3): Josh Harris (long snapper), Cameron Dicker (kicker), J.K. Scott (punter)
While this projected depth chart might look fairly standard on the surface, there are several notable aspects worth discussing.
J.K. Dobbins makes Chargers 53-man roster
The Chargers placed a seldom-used unrestricted free agent (UFA) tender on J.K. Dobbins after the 2025 NFL Draft. This move ensures that if Dobbins signs elsewhere, the Chargers would receive compensatory pick consideration. If he doesn’t sign with another team, he’ll return to Los Angeles on a contract worth 10% more than the league minimum.
Dobbins remaining unsigned this long likely wasn’t by accident, and teams hoping to avoid having him count against the comp pick formula won’t be thrilled with this turn of events. Indications are that the Chargers are preparing for his potential return, as R.J. Mickens has switched his jersey number from 27—Dobbins’ old number—to 41.
Two recent Chargers draft picks at CB get cut
This 53-man roster projection leaves out two recently drafted cornerbacks by the Chargers: Ja’Sir Taylor, a former sixth-round selection, and Trikweze Bridges, a seventh-round pick in 2025.
Taylor has struggled to establish himself with the team, and it would be a major surprise if he ends up making the final roster. Bridges, taken near the end of the 2025 draft, faces long odds in his push to stick around. The Chargers demonstrated with Cornelius Johnson last year that they’re not hesitant to part ways with recent draft picks.
Trey Lance hangs onto an NFL job with the Chargers
The Chargers aren’t obligated to keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, so if they need to free up a spot for another player, Trey Lance could be the odd man out. His roster spot may depend on how many standout performers emerge at other key positions.
That said, the team did carry three active quarterbacks last season, with one serving as the emergency option, setting a precedent. Plus, there’s a reason they brought Lance in to begin with.
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