COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Chargers open training camp July 30 at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California. Here's a 53-man roster projection:
Quarterback (2): Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens
If he plays well in preseason games, Arizona State product Mike Bercovici could earn a spot on the practice squad. The last time the Chargers kept three quarterbacks on the active roster to start the season was 2013.
Running back (4): Melvin Gordon, Branden Oliver, Andre Williams, Kenjon Barner
Oliver and Barner offer versatility with their ability to return kicks. Williams showed last season he can be effective, an early-down backup for Gordon. Kenneth Farrow also could work himself onto the roster with a consistent performance during training camp.
Fullback (1): Derek Watt
The Wisconsin product played only 130 snaps on offense last season, but the Chargers should use the fullback more in 2017.
Wide receiver (6): Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman, Geremy Davis, Mike Williams
Mike Williams likely begins training camp on the physically unable to perform list but hopefully recovers enough from his back injury to earn a roster spot and contribute once the regular season begins.
Tight end (4): Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Sean McGrath, Asante Cleveland
Athletic tight end Jeff Cumberland could compete for a roster spot if he continues to show that he's fully recovered from an Achilles tendon tear that forced him to miss the 2016 season.
Offensive line (9): Russell Okung, Matt Slauson, Spencer Pulley, Forrest Lamp, Joe Barksdale, Dan Feeney, Kenny Wiggins, Chris Hairston, Tyreek Burwell.
Last year's third-round selection, Max Tuerk, could make his way onto the final roster with a strong showing in exhibition play.
Defensive line (8): Joey Bosa, Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane, Melvin Ingram, Damion Square, Tenny Palepoi, Jeremiah Attaochu, Chris Landrum
If healthy, edge rusher Chris McCain will fight for a spot here. Interior pass-rusher Darius Philon also should be in the mix at defensive tackle.
Linebacker (6): Denzel Perryman, Jatavis Brown, Kyle Emanuel, Korey Toomer, Joshua Perry, Nick Dzubnar.
Notre Dame product James Onwualu has been impressive, showing speed and athleticism. Onwualu will be hard to keep off the final roster if he plays well during exhibition play.
Cornerback (5): Jason Verrett, Casey Hayward, Trevor Williams, Trovon Reed, Michael Davis.
Craig Mager, a third-round selection in the 2015 draft, could be on the outside looking in after September roster cuts.
Safety (5): Jahleel Addae, Dwight Lowery, Tre Boston, Rayshawn Jenkins, Desmond King.
Adrian Phillips, Darrell Stuckey and Dexter McCoil all have an uphill climb for a roster spot at a very competitive position group.
Specialists (3): Josh Lambo, Drew Kaser, Mike Windt
Younghoe Koo should push Lambo for the starting kicking job, and undrafted rookie punter Toby Baker will do the same for Kaser.