The Los Angeles Chargers have a full, talent-ridden roster following the 2025 NFL Draft. It's a team that made the postseason in Jim Harbaugh's first season as head coach last year and will now be hungry for more.
There is still a lot to determine between now and when the Chargers kick off the season in September, but we are going to make an early forecast as to how things will shape up in camps and preseason games for the coming year.
Following the team's final preseason game in August, we can always check back and see how accurate this list ends up being. But for now, here is an early prediction for the Chargers' final 53-man roster for the 2025 season.
Los Angeles Chargers 53-man roster prediction
Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke
Cuts: Trey Lance, D.J. Uiagalelei
The Chargers will hold a competition for the backup spot, much like they did last year, but it's hard to imagine Trey Lance or the undrafted D.J. Uiagalelei beating out Taylor Heinicke, considering how bad both of them have looked in just about every stop they've made.
Running Back (3): Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal
Cuts: Hassan Haskins, Jaret Patterson, Raheim Sanders
The Chargers have one of the best one-two combinations at running back in the entire league, at least on paper. But the competition for the No. 3 spot should be fierce. Jaret Patterson was terrific in preseason last year and Jim Harbaugh likes his old Michigan guy, Hassan Haskins.
Kimani Vidal was a healthy scratch entirely too often as a rookie last season, but he gets the nod in this prediction, just barely.
Wide Receiver (6): Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, Keandre Lambert-Smith
Cuts: Brenden Rice, Jalen Reagor, Jaylen Johnson, Dez Fitzpatrick, Luke Grimm
There will be some tough decisions to make here as the Chargers look for the right combination of weapons for Justin Herbert. I could see a scenario in which Quentin Johnston is traded, opening the door for someone like Brenden Rice or Jalen Reagor to stick around.
Tight End (3): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden II
Cuts: Tucker Fisk, McCallen Castles, Jordan Petaia, Stevo Klotz
This seems pretty straightforward. Fifth-round pick Oronde Gadsden could end up providing huge value for this team.
Offensive Line (9): Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Andre James, Mekhi Becton, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins III, Bradley Bozeman, Jamaree Salyer, Branson Taylor
Cuts: Karsen Barnhart, Nash Jones, Corey Stewart, Josh Kaltenberger, Bucky Williams, Tyler McClellan, Savion Washington
This looks like the overall strength of this team as the Chargers have some strong options and will be in good shape even if they have to deal with injuries.
Defensive Line (7): Teair Tart, Otito Ogbinnia, Da'Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Scott Matlock
Cuts: Christopher Hinton, TeRah Edwards, Josh Fuga
Third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell should break into the starting lineup as a rookie. Justin Eboigbe will have a chance to atone for a disappointing rookie year and Scott Matlock sticks around for his ability to also play offense as a fullback.
Inside Linebacker (4): Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Denzel Perryman
Cuts: Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Del'Shawn Phillips, Marlowe Wax
One of the young players on the cut list could knock the veteran Denzel Perryman off the roster with a strong summer.
Outside Linebacker (5): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipolotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Tre'Mon Morris-Brash
Cuts: Caleb Murphy, Chris Collins, Kylan Guidry, Garmon Randolph
The Chargers lost Joey Bosa this offseason, but fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard could make a big impact as a rookie after being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season. Tre'Mon Morris-Brash sticks around after duplicating what he did last summer and becoming undeniable.
Cornerback (6): Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Benjamin St-Juste, Ja'Sir Taylor, Trikweze Bridges
Cuts: Deane Leonard, Nikko Reed, Myles Purchase, Eric Rogers, Jordan Oladokun
If the Chargers have a weak spot, it could be this group here, which could lead to the team using Derwin James as the slot corner again and playing Elijah Molden and Alohi Gilman at safety.
It could be a surprise to see Deane Leonard on the cut list, but seventh-round pick Trikweze Bridges could show that he should have been drafted much earlier.
Safety (5): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, R.J. Mickens
Cuts: Jaylen Jones, Kendall Williams, Emany Johnson
Like Bridges, R.J. Mickens could prove to be another huge value for a late-round pick out of this draft.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Cameron Dicker
Punter: JK Scott
Long Snapper: Josh Harris
There is no competition for any of these three players, at least for now, so this group looks set.
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