Projecting Chargers Depth Chart, 53-Man Roster After the Draft—Position by Position

The Los Angeles Chargers re-tooled the 53-man depth chart through free agency and the NFL draft in rather dramatic fashion.

There are plenty of carryovers from last year, sure. But a big theme of the NFL draft for the Chargers was overhauling the offense to Mike McDaniels’ vision. 

The new offensive coordinator's fingerprints were all over free-agency signings at every offensive position (even fullback) except wideout. Then in the draft, the Chargers went and got him one of those, too, plus four offensive linemen who fit his new blocking scheme’s needs. 

It’s early, but here’s a look at a 53-man roster projection. 

Post-NFL draft Chargers 53-man roster projection

QB  (2)

• Justin Herbert
• Trey Lance

No shockers here, the Chargers have one of the best backups in the NFL with Trey Lance. 

RB  (4)

• Omarion Hampton
• Keaton Mitchell
• Kimani Vidal
• Alec Ingold (FB)

The Chargers keep it light here, with free-agent addition Keaton Mitchell a strong rotational player. Kimiani Vidal showed he’s a three-down pro last year. They can stash other names. 

WR  (6)

• Ladd McConkey
• Quentin Johnston
• Tre' Harris
• Brenen Thompson
• KeAndre Lambert-Smith
• Luke Grimm

Brenen Thompson is the fun new 4.26 weapon for McDaniel. They’re hoping for another leap from Quentin Johnston. Luke Grimm slips on, while other interesting names like Dalevon Campbell might be stash candidates. 

TE  (3)

• Oronde Gadsden
• Charlie Kolar
• Tanner McLachlan

A little light here too, but Oronde Gadsden feels like an every-down player. Charlie Kolar is another McDaniel signing who will be a workhorse, at least as a blocker. 

OL  (10)

• Rashawn Slater
• Jake Slaughter
• Tyler Biadasz
• Cole Strange
• Joe Alt
• Trey Pipkins
• Trevor Penning
• Travis Burke
• Kayode Awosika
• Logan Taylor

The Chargers aren’t going to mess around with tackle depth this time. Trey Pipkins is back as a swing backup. Rookie draft pick Travis Burke can be that too. They hope that second-rounder Jake Slaughter can actually win the starting job at guard. If not, they have two other options to start there.