Chargers 2026 Roster Prediction v1
This post constitutes my first prediction of the Chargers 2026 roster. I started making this list in my head before the Guilty as Charged Podcast covered the topic on their show. If you are a Chargers fan, I highly recommend giving them a listen.
Notes:
- The positions listed are directly from the Chargers website
- I made my list before listening to the podcast; we wound up agreeing on 51 of 53 players
- I assume anyone drafted in 2026 above the 6th round will make the roster; the precedent is Eboigbe and Kennard, who both remained on the roster their rookie seasons even though neither really played; the bet on Eboigbe paid off in 2025; the hope is Kennard does something similar in 2026
Locks (43)
I started this list with Special Teams, because most lists end with them and I wanted to give this group some love. Harris and Dicker have been fantastic and deserve shout outs. Deane Leonard is a beast and ideally would be the lone special teams only player on the roster.
In my opinion, the Chargers have kept too many special teams only players in recent years, which has hurt them when the inevitable injuries arise. The 2 slots I have different from Guilty as Charged are a direct result of this philosophy. They kept Darius Davis and Kendall Williamson as 2 additional special teams only players. I choose Dalevon Campbell (over Jaret Patterson) and Nadame Tucker.
Special Teams (4)
- LS: Josh Harris, P: JK Scott, K: Cameron Dicker, DB: Deane Leonard
Defensive Line (8)
- DL: Nick Barrett, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson
- OLB: Khalil Mack, Akheem Mesidor, Tuli Tuipulotu
Linebacker (4)
- LB: Troy Dye, Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Del'Shawn Phillips
Defensive Back (6)
- CB: Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still
- DB: Elijah Molden
- S: Derwin James Jr., Genesis Smith
Offensive Line (8)
- C: Tyler Biadasz
- OL: Jake Slaughter
- G: Kayode Awosika, Cole Strange
- T: Joe Alt, Travis Burke, Trey Pipkins III, Rashawn Slater
Tight End (3)
- TE: Oronde Gadsden II, Charlie Kolar, David Njoku
Running Back (4)
- FB: Alec Ingold
- RB: Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal
Wide Receiver (4)
- WR: Tre' Harris, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Brenen Thompson
Quarterback (2)
- QB: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
Injured List / Practice Squad
QB - DJ Uiagalelei T - Isaiah World
In the Mix
Defense (6 of 9 selected)
- CB: Nikko Reed, Eric Rogers, some 2026 UDFA
- LB: Marlowe Wax
- OLB: Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Nadame Tucker
- S: Tony Jefferson, RJ Mickens, Kendall Williamson, some 2026 UDFA
Offense (4 of 6 selected)
- G: Logan Taylor
- OL: Trevor Penning
- RB: Jaret Patterson
- WR: Dalevon Campbell, Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Other Fringe Players (0 of 4 selected)
- FB/DL: Scott Matlock
- G: Alex Harkey, Branson Taylor
- LB: Junior Colson
Final Roster Position Count
- Special Teams (4)
- Defensive Line (10)
- Linebacker (5)
- Defensive Back (9)
- Offensive Line (10)
- Tight End (3)
- Running Back (4)
- Wide Receiver (6)
- Quarterback (2)
Final Thoughts
I was surprised that 43 out of the 53 spots are clear locks, as I expected the roster to be a bit more fluid. Practically, 6 of the remaining 10 slots are close to locks (Wax, Jefferson, Mickens, Penning, Taylor, KLS). The real competition is for:
- 4th corner spot
- 2 other defensive players (or special teams only)
- 1 offensive skill player (or special teams only)
I look forward to training camp and the preseason to see how these battles shake out.