Chargers bring back fan favorite in 53-man roster prediction after NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books and the LA Chargers have added nine new players to the roster. With limited roster spots available, these nine players won't just be fighting for snaps, they will be fighting for their jobs.

A lot can and will change from now until the preseason. Heck, there is room for the Chargers to make free-agent signings to fill in some of the gaps of this 53-man roster. Someone not even on the team today might play a key role in four months.

But with how things currently stand, let's dive into how the roster is shaping up.

Chargers 53-man roster prediction:

• Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance
• Running back (4): Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal
• Fullback (1): Scott Matlock
• Wide receiver (6): Tre Harris, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Mike Williams, Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith
• Tight end (3): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden II
• Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Andre James, Branson Taylor
• Interior defensive line (6): Teair Tart, Da'Shawn Hand, Otitio Ogbonnia, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Naquan Jones
• EDGE (4): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard
• Linebacker (5): Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Del'Shawn Phillips
• Cornerback (5): Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Deane Leonard, Benjamin St.Juste
• Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, R.J. Mickens
• Special teams (3): Josh Harris (LS), Cameron Dicker (K), J.K. Scott (P)

As run-of-the-mill as these projections may seem, there are several key takeaways worth noting.

J.K. Dobbins makes Chargers 53-man roster

The Chargers slapped a rare UFA tender on J.K. Dobbins following the 2025 NFL Draft. By doing so, Dobbins would factor into the Chargers' compensatory formula if he signs with another team. If he doesn't, he returns to the Chargers on a deal that is 10% above the league minimum.

Dobbins went this long without signing for a reason and teams that didn't want him to count towards the comp formula won't like this development. It appears the Chargers are already gearing up for his return as R.J. Mickens changed from No. 27 (Dobbins' No.) to No. 41.

Two recent Chargers draft picks at CB get cut

This 53-man roster projection doesn't include two recent cornerbacks who were drafted by the Chargers. Former sixth-round pick Ja'Sir Taylor and 2025 seventh-round pick Trikweze Bridges do not make the cut in this projection.

Taylor has failed to find his footing with the Chargers and it would be a legitimate shock if he makes the 53-man roster. Bridges was the second-to-last pick of the 2025 NFL Draft and has a massive uphill battle to make the roster. The Chargers showed last year with Cornelius Johnson they have no problem cutting a recent draft pick.

Trey Lance hangs onto an NFL job with the Chargers

The Chargers don't have to carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and if the team needs to make room for someone else Trey Lance will likely be the first to go. Lance has to hope there isn't too many standout players at skill positions so he doesn't lose his job.

However, the Chargers established the precedent of carrying three active quarterbacks with the third being the emergency QB last year. There is a reason the team signed Lance, after all.