Thoughts on the San Diego Chargers' 53-Man Roster and Cuts

The San Diego Chargers shaved down their roster to 53 players Saturday afternoon, and there were some obvious choices as well as some intriguing surprises. 

Rookies look to have their dreams fulfilled and veterans look to continue their football journey and succeed in the business.

This is a rundown of the "somewhat final" 53-man roster. I say "somewhat final" because team's rosters are constantly changing from getting players into the practice squad, from the practice squad and into the active roster, injuries, cutting players, etc.

Anyway, I'm going to run down the offense first, and then on to the defense of the Chargers' 53-man roster.

Quarterbacks

Philip Rivers, Billy Volek

Cut: Scott Tolzien

Rivers and Volek were easy to predict.

Tolzien shined in his last preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. Tolzien is now on the waiver wire and is getting interest from the one team he performed his best against. Yep, the 49ers. San Francisco is looking to pick him up—especially because it has depth issues at quarterback.

Running Backs

Ryan Mathews, Mike Tolbert, Jacob Hester and Jordan Todman

Cut: Curtis Brinkley, Isaac Odim and Frank Summers

Mathews, Tolbert and Hester were obvious choices. The Chargers also kept Jordan Todman, who had an astounding preseason. Todman had the most touches on the ball this preseason, 28, and averaged 4.0 yards per carry, which is decent for a third-string running back—or any running back in general.

We didn't see much of Brinkley or Odim, but they did their best.

Wide Receivers

Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, Patrick Crayton, Vincent Brown, Richard Goodman and Bryan Walters

Cut: Seyi Ajirotutu, Laurent Robinson and Kelley Washington

I like the choices made in this position, but now comes the question: Why Ajirotutu?

The kid was a hero in the game against the Houston Texans last season with over 100 yards and two touchdowns.

I guess the Chargers believe in Bryan Walters and Richard Goodman. There just wasn't enough room for Ajirotutu in the depth chart. I guess they know some things that we, the fans, don't.

Tight Ends

Antonio Gates, Randy McMichael and Kory Sperry

Cut: Charles Davis and Brad Taylor

No surprises here. The main three were clear choices. Davis and Taylor weren't even noticeable.

Offensive Line

Jeromy Clary, Kris Dielman, Nick Hardwick, Louis Vasquez, Marcus McNeill, Scott Mruczkowski, Brandyn Dombrowski and Tyronne Green

Cut: Hutch Eckerson, Stephen Schilling, Bo Thran and Eric Young

I like the O-line. It has depth with solid veterans who have the proven skill to be on the roster.

I wish they could've kept Schilling, though. That guy was nasty.

Defensive Line

Luis Castillo, Jacques Cesaire, Antonio Garay, Corey Liuget, Vaughn Martin and Cam Thomas

Cut: Mike Blanc, Charlie Bryant and Ogemdi Nwagbuo

IR: Damik Scafe

Corey Liuget has been a stud this preseason. I wouldn't be surprised if he were to start in Week 1. If he's not, I understand the decision to go with Cesaire.

Linebackers

Antwan Barnes, Donald Butler, Stephen Cooper, Na’il Diggs, Larry English, Andrew Gachkar, Darryl Gamble, Travis LaBoy, Jonas Mouton, Shaun Phillips and Takeo Spikes

Cut: Bront Bird, Kevin Bentley, Carl Ihenacho and Kion Wilson

IR: Nick Polk

I love the story of Darryl Gamble, a fan favorite among Charger fans. With him on the roster, the Chargers have gone 15 straight seasons with an undrafted rookie making the final 53.

The addition of Na'il Diggs could make things interesting. We'll see how he makes an impact.

Stephen Cooper is on the final roster with a torn bicep. The Chargers must have faith in him to provide depth—even with an injury. 

Cornerbacks

Antoine Cason, Marcus Gilchrist, Dante Hughes, Quentin Jammer and Shareece Wright

Cut: Ramon Broadway and Traye Simmons

This is a good group of cornerbacks. Stable and provided with new, fresh legs in Gilchrist and Wright, the Chargers cornerbacks are set for 2011.

Safeties

Steve Gregory, Bob Sanders, Darrell Stuckey, C.J. Wallace and Eric Weddle

Cuts: Quinton Teal

The safety tandem of Eric Weddle and Bob Sanders should be one of the best during the 2011 season. While Sanders stops ball-carriers with stunning tackles, Weddle provides efficient tackling at the safety position—something he's been doing his entire career in San Diego.

Special Teams

Kicker: Nate Kaeding

Punter: Mike Scifres

Long Snapper: Mike Windt

Cuts: Ricky Schmitt, David Binn (August 30)

Kaeding and Scifres are one of the best special team combos in the NFL today. Kaeding is working on his leg power for more long-yardage field goals and kickoffs. He won't need to do much, thanks to the new 35-yard starting kickoff rule.

David Binn, 17-year veteran long snapper, was released last Tuesday. It was a it was a heartbreaking divorce for Binn, the Chargers and the fans.

List of 2011 Chargers 53-man roster

List of 2011 Chargers roster cuts