It’s that time of the season that fans can rejoice because the preseason is over and we finally get real football. Unfortunately, for many players on the Chargers roster, this is the last time they get to put the uniform on.
Today the Chargers have to make cuts to trim the roster down to 53 men. These are the players I think the team will keep.
Chargers 53-Man Roster Prediction
Quarterbacks (3) – Philip Rivers, Tyrod Taylor, Cardale Jones
Running Backs (3) – Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Troymaine Pope
Full Back (1) – Derek Watt
Wide Receivers (6)– Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman, Geremy Davis, Artavis Scott
Tight Ends (3) – Hunter Henry, Virgil Green, Sean Culkin
Offensive Line (9) – Trent Scott, Trey Pipkins, Dan Feeney, Forrest Lamp, Mike Pouncey, Scott Quessenberry, Michael Schofield, Sam Tevi, Spencer Drango
Safeties (5) – Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, Adrian Phillips, Rayshawn Jenkins, Roderic Teamer
Cornerbacks (5) – Michael Davis, Desmond King, Casey Hayward, Brandon Facyson, Trevor Williams
Linebackers (6) – Thomas Davis, Denzel Perryman, Uchenna Nwosu, Kyzir White, Drue Tranquill, Emeke Egbule
Defensive Line (9) – Jerry Tillery, Brandon Mebane, Justin Jones, T.Y. McGill, Damion Square, Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Isaac Rochell, Anthony Lanier
Special Teams (3) – Badgley, Ty Long, Cole Mazza
Tough Decisions
Quarterback Battle
Cardale Jones and Easton Stick had a hell of a battle for last quarterback on the roster. Stick was exciting, but very raw, and although he was a fifth-round pick Jones gets the nod. Jones put together his three best games as a Charger and absolutely won this job. If I were Tom Telesco, I would try and trade Cardale while his stock is through the roof, and keep Stick on the roster to develop.
A Shift At Linebacker
Jatavis Brown doesn’t make the cut this year after previously being a starter. The Chargers revamped their linebacking corps in the offseason and a combination of poor health and performance led to Brown being the odd man out.
Scott Vs Patton
Artavis Scott and Andre Patton both had impressive preseasons which made this difficult. Patton showed off an ability to make tough catches and get in the end zone, leading the team with two touchdown receptions. Scott was the most consistent, racking up 12 catches for 188 yards, twice as many yards as the next closest receiver. In the end, the Chargers go with Scott and keep Geremy Davis due to special teams value.
Questionable Calls
I would put Damion Square, Spencer Drango and Trevor Williams in this group. These are players who’s roster spots are not due to their performances this off-season. Williams has been unable to stay healthy but makes it because of his past performance, and a lack of competition. Square and Drango both had uneven play in the preseason with a lot of snaps, but make the cut for depth and familiarity.
The Pope
Troymaine Pope came to the Bolts last season as a pretty unheralded practice squad player. All he did this preseason was completely flip the script. Pope showed great acceleration and elusiveness while leading the team in rushing. Oh yeah, he also took a punt return 81 yards to the house. Last year Detrez Newsome burst onto the scene to make the roster. This year, Pope took his job.
Final Thoughts
The Chargers have repeatedly found ways to find talent in players that other teams overlooked or discarded. This year is no exception as another undrafted player will make the roster. There are also many really good players that are not going to make the final roster, and if they clear waivers, the team will try and stash on the practice squad.
In the words of Anthony Lynn, this won’t necessarily be the most talented players that make the roster, but the ones that make the best team. Overall, when all is said and done, as the final roster is announced, it will be one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.