Unpacking the Chargers' roster, one unit emerges as the undeniable powerhouse, boasting elite talent and game-changing potential. Who truly reigns supreme?
See that question in the headline? I asked myself that earlier today, for no reason in particular, and found it very difficult to come up with an answer.
Here are what I consider to be the six position groups and then maybe I'll go about trying to figure out which one is the best:
- Offensive line
- Skill positions
- Defensive line
- Linebackers
- Secondary
Okay, let's go through the position groups one-by-one and analyze them.
Offensive line
No need to waste time. It's not going to be the offensive line.
Skill positions
Honestly, this one is going to be hard to beat...
Justin Herbert
Omarion Hampton
Oronde Gadsden
Quentin Johnston
Ladd McConkey
Keenan Allen (?)
That's a solid group! It does make me a little worried about the (potential) loss of Keenan Allen and what happens if/when Johnston misses time with an injury, but maybe I need to trust the Tre Harris process.
On the strength of Herbert/Hampton/Gadsden alone, this feels like a really strong group compared to other NFL teams.
Defensive line
Teair Tart
Da'Shawn Hand
Jamaree Caldwell
Justin Eboigbe
That is a solid group. Tart is obviously a stud but the other guys are all perfectly reasonably NFL starters and they're often splitting snaps with each other.
While they may be especially important to the success of the team, I don't know that this group really stands out amongst the rest.
Linebackers
Daiyan Henley
Denzel Perryman (?)
Troy Dye
Tuli Tuipulotu
Odafe Oweh (?)
Khalil Mack (?)
I love Henley for reasons that don't make a lot of sense, but I moved the pass-rushers to this group because I feel like they needed the help.
Tuli, Oweh and Mack were all very impactful for the Chargers defense in 2025, to the point that I am at least a little bit concerned about what happens if one of them doesn't sign back with the Chargers in free agency this offseason.
For that, this group deserves to be in consideration as the best on the Chargers roster.
Secondary
Cam Hart
Tarheeb Still
Benjamin St-Juste
Donte Jackson
Derwin James
Tony Jefferson
Elijah Molden
R.J. Mickens
I am glad that, completely by accident, I saved this position group for last because I think it's pretty clearly the best group on the Chargers.
It includes, in my opinion, the best player on the team in James.
I can take or leave Cam Hart but the rest of the cornerbacks on the roster are what I would call adequate-level NFL starters.
I thought Mickens acquitted himself great in his rookie season and Tony Jefferson continues to show that he has something left in the tank.