Sports

Chargers 2026 Roster Prediction v2

2026-08-14 NFL Chargers

This post continues my prediction of the 2026 Chargers roster. I had the good fortune to attend training camp this past Sunday. I was going to make an updated prediction then, but wisely decided to wait until last night's preseason game.

Locks (43)

I am not going to spend time discussing the locks, because nothing has changed with the exception of backup quarterback. To recap:

Special Teams (4)

Defensive Line (8)

Linebacker (4)

Defensive Back (6)

Offensive Line (8)

Tight End (3)

Running Back (4)

Wide Receiver (4)

Quarterback (2)

Injured List / Practice Squad

Position Battle Notes

Backup Quarterback

In late June, it seemed fairly straightforward that Lance would beat out DJ for the backup spot. My observation from training camp and the preseason game is that Lance has lost something off his fastball. After the game last night I texted my son: ignore the stats, Lance did not play well. Apparently Daniel Popper agrees.

DJ has pedigree:

I am intrigued to see DJ play with the second team this preseason. If he plays well, he could unseat Lance.

Practice Squad Tight End

Scott Matlock played extensively at tight end last night and was OK as a blocker. He's also been working at offensive tackle in training camp, presumably to improve his blocking (and perhaps to be an option if everything goes crazy like last season?). Either way, both he and Johnny Pascuzzi (UDFA from Tulane) made some noise and are strong candidates for the practice squad.

Wide Receiver

I now think the Chargers will keep only 3 running backs and 5 wide receivers, which means the lone battle for a skill position roster spot is between KeAndre Lambert-Smith (KLS) and Derius Davis. If KLS has 2 more games like last night, and if the team is comfortable that others can handle kick return duties, I think the spot is his to lose.

I optimistically predicted a spot for Dalevon Campbell in June but sadly he does not have a path to making the roster, last night's fumble notwithstanding. I thought Campbell was bigger than he actually is; he is similar in size to Tre' Harris and is not the "Mike Williams lite" player I thought he might be.

Practice Squad Running Back

A 3 player battle exists between Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson, and Gregory Desrosiers (UDFA from Memphis). All three made plays last night, making their case for a practice squad spot.

Offensive Line

I correctly predicted in June that Trevor Penning is not a lock. I did not predict that Branson Taylor would have an excellent camp and preseason. I now believe B Taylor is a virtual lock, leaving a potential 3 player battle for the final spot between Penning, Logan Taylor, and Jacob Spomer (UDFA from Fresno State). Normally I would make Logan Taylor the clear front runner given his tackle / guard versatility, but Spomer was really good as the second center last night. If Slaughter starts at left guard, there is a path for Spomer to be the backup center (a concept I heard from the Guilty As Charged pod, though with Kaltenberger instead of Spomer).

Practice Squad Defensive Tackle

Both TeRah Edwards and Jahmeer Carter (UDFA from Virginia) were excellent last night. Edwards in particular made a 4th down stop, while Carter was constantly in the backfield. Both could make the practice squad if there is room for them.

Outside Linebacker

Kyle Kennard and Nadame Tucker largely played together last night. Kennard showed much improved pass rush ability from last season, while Tucker was strong sealing the edge. Bud Dupree did not play. It's entirely possible the Chargers keep Dupree as a veteran presence, but Kennard and Tucker are pushing for the 4th and 5th spots.

Inside Linebacker

Junior Colson, a former high 3rd round pick plagued by injury problems, did not impress last night. Colson had a chance to claim a roster spot with a strong camp and preseason, but that has not happened. It would take a minor miracle now for Colson to make the roster.

Defensive Back

While Nikko Reed is the front runner, UDFAs Avery Smith (Toledo) and Rodney Shelley (Georgia Tech) had their moments along with Isas Waxter. Eric Rogers, the surprise player who made last year's roster, seems like he might be out of the running.

Kendall Williamson looks like a much different and improved player on defense this off-season. I view him now as the heir apparent to Tony Jefferson. With his special teams skills, Williamson should be a virtual lock to make the team.

Final Selections

Offense (3 selected)

Defense (7 selected)

Players in bold are virtual locks

Overall

Added: Branson Taylor, Kendall Williamson Removed: Trevor Penning, Dalevon Campbell

Final Roster Position Count

Final Thoughts

The final roster battles are for:

For example, could a 5th cornerback be chosen ahead of Marlowe Wax? Or could all of Dupree, Kennard, and Tucker be chosen ahead of Wax? Given the team's decision last year to keep an extra cornerback on the initial 53 man roster, it's within the realm of possibility.