The Los Angeles Chargers open training camp July 28 in Costa Mesa, California, as they look to recover from a snakebitten 2019 season. The Chargers will be playing in a brand-new facility after playing the last three seasons in a soccer stadium and have a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2006. They are hoping to make the playoffs for the second time in three seasons and only the third time since 2010. Here's our projection for the 53-man roster heading into training camp.
QUARTERBACKS (3): Tyrod Taylor, Justin Herbert, Easton Stick
Three quarterbacks is the safe way to go as the Chargers move on from Philip Rivers. Taylor is the expected starter, but it's uncertain how quickly Herbert, the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL draft, will be ready to back him up since he was unable to practice due to the virtual offseason program. Stick, a second-year pro, provides some insurance just in case.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Derrick Gore
Once a strength, depth is now a concern at running back. Ekeler will carry a bulk of the load after signing a four-year, $24.5 million contract this offseason. Jackson, a third-year pro, must prove he can remain healthy and available, while Kelley must get up to speed after the Bolts selected him in the fourth round.
RECEIVERS (6): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Andre Patton, Darius Jennings, Jason Moore, Joe Reed
Allen and Williams will each attempt to repeat 1,000-plus receiving-yard seasons, but both will need time to develop chemistry with their new quarterback. Jennings joined as a free agent and is expected to compete as a returner. The Chargers added Reed with a with a fifth-round pick.
TIGHT ENDS (4): Hunter Henry, Donald Parham Jr., Virgil Green, Andrew Vollert
The Bolts' hope is that Henry remains healthy they signed him to the franchise tag at a cost of $10.6 million. Parham signed a two-year, $1.4 million contract after coming off a five-game season in the XFL with the Dallas Renegades, where he caught 24 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): Bryan Bulaga, Dan Feeney, Mike Pouncey, Trai Turner, Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins, Ryan Groy, Scott Quessenberry, Trent Scott, Forrest Lamp
A weakness last season, the line could transform into a strength after trading for Turner and signing Bulaga in free agency. Pouncey returns after spending most of last season on injured reserve. But the big question is left tackle, where Tevi, Pipkins and Scott will battle to start.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (7): Joey Bosa, Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, Melvin Ingram III, Damion Square, Jerry Tillery, Isaac Rochell
The decision to move on from veteran leader Brandon Mebane wasn't easy, but Joseph arrives ready to assume a similar role and is eager to get after the quarterback. The development of Jones and Tillery this season will be critical to their futures.
LINEBACKERS (6): Kenneth Murray Jr., Nick Vigil, Drue Tranquill, Denzel Perryman, Uchenna Nwosu, Kyzir White
Lynn and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley spoke glowingly about Murray, who the Bolts traded up to select with the No. 23 overall pick. They say he's fast, physical and plays with an old-school mentality. Murray's versatility could be a game-changer for the defense.
CORNERBACKS (5): Chris Harris Jr., Casey Hayward Jr., Desmond King II, Michael Davis, Brandon Facyson
Harris' decision to sign a two-year, $17 million contract in free agency came as a surprise to most, but Bradley says he can never have too many versatile defensive backs with spirited personalities. Harris is anticipated to man the slot, so watch for King to move around.
SAFETIES (5): Derwin James, Rayshawn Jenkins, Nasir Adderley, Roderic Teamer, Alohi Gilman
With the amount of talent in the secondary, James has expressed a willingness to play anywhere he's needed. He says he's comfortable playing linebacker or even in the slot. Though it's a crowded secondary, don't count Adderley out after an injury-riddled rookie season. Lynn says it's going to be tough, but expressed confidence the second-year pro can carve a role, even if it's limited.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3): K Michael Badgley, P Ty Long, LS Cole Mazza
Badgley missed half of the 2019 season because of a groin injury but returns for a third season with the Chargers. He's converted 87.5% of his field goals in 18 career games.