by Staff Writer Daniel Stebbins (@dstebbs)
The San Diego Chargers still have one more preseason game left to play, but I feel the roster is pretty much set. Here is my current prediction of the final 53 man roster, with notes on some players. Keep in mind they are likely to bring in some veteran free agents for some positions lacking depth, and I will make a note of which positions we could see that happen.
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Philip Rivers
Charlie Whitehurst (Think he barely hangs on, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see him cut)
Brad Sorensen
Running Backs
Ryan Mathews
Danny Woodhead
Ronnie Brown
Fozzy Whittaker (Has played far too well to be cut. Would NEVER make it to practice squad)
Fullback
Le’Ron McClain
Tight Ends
Antonio Gates
John Phillips
Ladarius Green
Wide Receivers
Malcom Floyd
Vincent Brown
Eddie Royal
Keenan Allen
Seyi Ajirotutu (Definitely going to make this roster, his familiarity and chemistry with Rivers is more than enough alone)
Offensive Line
King Dunlap LT
Chad Rinehart LG
Nick Hardwick C
Jeromy Clary RG
DJ Fluker RT
Michael Harris T (Has looked much better this preseason compared to last year, more promising than Max Starks)
Johnnie Troutman G (too promising to release, could really develop well if given time)
Rich Ohrnberger G/C (Got plenty of snaps at Center in game 3, provides versatility as a backup)
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Kendall Reyes DE
Cam Thomas DT
Corey Liuget DE
Jarius Wynn DE
Damik Scafe DE
Kwame Geathers DT (Does everything asked of him and does it well. Has tools to really develop in this scheme)
*FREE AGENT* I can easily see them looking for a veteran defensive lineman once cuts have been made.
Outside Linebackers
Dwight Freeney
Jarrett Johnson
Larry English
Tourek Williams
Thomas Keiser (As much as I wanted to keep Beltre here, Keiser is just too good)
Inside Linebackers
Donald Butler
Manti T’eo
D.J. Smith
Andrew Gachkar
Bront Bird (as bad as he can be when playing linebacker, his skill on special teams is too great to lose)
Cornerbacks
Derek Cox
Shareece Wright
Richard Marshall
Johnny Patrick (Was playing well however his injuries are concerning. Requires another CB because of this)
Marcus Cromartie (Has played quite well when given a chance)
Safeties
Eric Weddle FS
Marcus Gilchrist SS
Brandon Taylor SS
Darrell Stuckey FS
Jahleel Addae SS (absolutely no way they can part with Addae. Made a number of plays in game 3 and got snaps with first team. He makes this for sure)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker
Nick Novak
Punter
Mike Scifres
Long Snapper
Mike Windt
PRACTICE SQUAD
Luke Tasker WR
Brandon Moore DE
Josh Johnson CB
Nick Becton T
Ben Cotton TE
Sean Cattouse S
Michael Hill RB
Frank Beltre OLB
Last 5 On
Jahleel Addae
Kwame Geathers
Marcus Cromartie
Charlie Whitehurst
Michael Harris
Last 5 Off
Max Starks: Just hasn’t looked good enough to eat up a roster spot. Knees are completely gone. Walks with a limp at all times basically at this point.
Josh Johnson: Has impressed during practices but hasn’t shown up during games yet. Tough cut, hope to stash him on practice squad.
Sean Cattouse : Made many plays in first two preseason games.
Frank Beltre: Looks like a better version of Gamble from a few years ago. Really believe he will develop into a quality NFL player.
Richard Goodman: Tough only because of time with team. Provides nothing as a receiver and is a mediocre return man at best.