The 2025 NFL draft is over, and now it’s time to start looking ahead to the Chargers’ roster this upcoming season. It’s not completely finalized, but the roster is mostly set at this point in the offseason.
As we head into May with organized team activities (OTAs) coming up, let’s predict what the 53-man roster will look like.
Quarterbacks (3): Justin Herbert, Trey Lance, Taylor Heinicke
There’s not much to write about here besides Lance and Heinicke competing for the backup role.
Running backs (5): Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris. Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Scott Matlock (FB)
The Chargers went with the home run pick to begin their draft by taking Hampton in the first round. Haskins sticks around due to his impact on special teams, while Vidal gets another year learning behind two veterans. Matlock sticks around due to his versatility between fullback and defensive line.
Wide receivers (6): Ladd McConkey, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, Derius Davis, Keandre Lambert-Smith
After using two draft picks on a wideout, this group has a nice blend of size, speed, youth, and veteran leadership. Both rookies make the team with the expectation to contribute immediately.
Tight ends (3): Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Oronde Gadsden II
This position wasn’t addressed until late in the draft, so it remains a long-term need. The team could still add to this position before the season. The top three could go in any order during the 2025 season, so it’ll be a competition to watch.
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Joe Alt, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Andre James, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Branson Taylor
All positions except for left guard and center are set. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the front office possibly add another body or two to this group for training camp.
Defensive line (6): Teair Tart, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe, Da’Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Jamaree Caldwell
The Chargers waited until the third round to address the position, arguably the biggest need on the team. Caldwell will take over the nose tackle role formerly held by Poona Ford.
Linebacker/Edge (8): Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Denzel Perryman, Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree, Tuli Tuipulotu, Kyle Kennard
Another position group that the Chargers should feel pretty good about. Colson is the X-factor here, as we’ll see if he can push Perryman for the starting role alongside Henley.
Cornerbacks (5): Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Benjamin St-Juste, Donte Jackson, Ja’Sir Taylor
Deane Leonard gets left out of this group, which looks slightly different than last year’s. Jesse Minter will need Hart and Still to avoid a sophomore slump and perhaps be even better than they were in their impressive 2024 rookie campaigns.
Safeties (5) Derwin James, Elijah Molden, Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson, RJ Mickens
Mickens, a sixth-round pick, sneaks onto the team here as the fifth safety and has the chance to be a special-teams contributor.
Special teams (3): Cameron Dicker, JK Scott, Josh Harris
Barring a surprise, this group will go unchanged in 2025.