Making sense of the Chargers initial 53-man roster: 3 undrafted free agents stay, Najee Harris activated, and more

EL SEGUNDO, Calif -- Whatever 53-man roster prediction that was made for the LA Chargers was completely off. There wasn’t one perfect bracket. 

Why?

Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz are unpredictable. In years past, there was more predictability with Tom Telesco with only one or two surprises. This year, the roster has numerous surprises.

The Chargers kept three undrafted free agents on defense, activated their running back, cut two backs, and cut a veteran safety.

Now be mindful that this is the “initial” 53-man roster. Keyword: Initial. Hortiz is going to tinker with this roster because there are still some key areas of need.

Here is the 53-man roster:

Quarterback (2)

Justin Herbert, Trey Lance

No need to explain Herbert making the team. The team thought Lance played better than Taylor Heinicke, which is hard to argue because Lance did look more comfortable in the pocket. Fourth quarterback DJ Uiagalelei should definitely be brought back to the practice squad, he showed a little something in preseason.

Running back (3)

Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, Hassan Haskins

Three big shockers here. 1. Harris brought off the PUP and to the active roster. 2. Kimani Vidal waived. 3. Raheim Sanders waived. It was surprising to say the least. Haskins makes too much sense because of his special teams ability.

Fullback (1)

Scott Matlock 

Matlock serves as a fullback and extra defensive tackle. Harbaugh loves him.

Wide receiver (6)

Quentin Johnston, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Tre Harris, Derius Davis

Self explanatory.

Tight ends (4)

Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Tucker Fisk, Oronde Gadsden

Wondering if Fisk was saved because they want him to long snap while Josh Harris is out for the first four weeks. His blocking is also above average. No other surprise here.

Offensive line (8)

Bradley Bozeman, Zion Johnson, Mehki Becton, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins, Austin Deculus, Andre james

Chargers 6th round pick Branson Taylor being released was a surprise because of him being a draft pick. Harbaugh must know they need bodies now especially after losing Rashawn Slater. Don’t expect them to be done tinkering here after making the trade for Deculus. There is more that can be done here.

DEFENSE

Defensive line (6)

Teair Tart, Naquan Jones, Jamaree Caldwell, Da’Shawn Hand, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia

The most underrated part of the Chargers roster.

Edge rushers (5)

Bud Dupree, Khalil Mack, Kyle Kennard, Tuli Tuipulotu, Caleb Murphy

Murphy had a very strong preseason while Kennard was kind of quiet. No surprise in this room.

Linebackers (4)

Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Marlowe Wax

Junior Colson’s sophomore year is over before it even starts after being placed on IR. That opened the door for Marlowe Wax to make the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. He had a strong preseason.

Cornerback (7)

Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Benjamin St-Juste, Tarheeb Still, Nikko Reed, Ja’Sir Taylor, Eric Rogers

This group is very interesting because of the two undrafted rookies in Reed and Rogers. They both had a strong preseason but Rogers was injured, so it will be interesting to see if he is ready to go soon. Still could see some movement here but who knows what it will be.

Safety (5)

Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, RJ Mickens, Elijah Molden, Kendall Williamson

Biggest surprise was Tony Jefferson being released over Williamson. Not saying Williamson didn’t deserve it but Jefferson has been the “Uncle” of the group and has made plays when given a chance. There could be some movement if players are claimed.

Kicker (1)

Cameron Dicker

Punter (1)

JK Scott

Special teams unit has been together for a while but will be without long snapper Josh Harris for four games. Either Fisk will be the long snapper of the Chargers will be on the market for one.