Cardale Jones

After joining the Chargers just days before the start of training camp last season, Jones managed to stick around as the team's No. 3 QB throughout the duration of the 2017 campaign. Given that the team opted not to re-sign long-time backup Kellen Clemens this offseason, Jones' main competition for the No. 2 role should come from Geno Smith, who signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in April. While Jones lacks the NFL experience that Smith possesses, last season's stint with the organization should at least give the 25-year-old a leg up in terms of understanding the playbook. Whoever wins the job battle will slot in behind the 36-year-old Philip Rivers, who remains one of the most durable and consistent signal-callers in the NFL.

After a surprise trade just days before the start of training camp, the former Ohio State Buckeye joins a Chargers' team bereft of developmental talent. Thankfully Jones should have the chance to grow into the position, as 35-year-old starting quarterback Philip Rivers isn't knocking on retirement's doorstep -- yet. Given the Chargers have not drafted a rookie quarterback since 2013, Jones figures to be a key cog in the team's future, albeit once Rivers steps away from the game.

At 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds, Jones has all of the tools and raw ability to eventually be a bona fide NFL starting quarterback. For his rookie campaign in 2016, he will be firmly locked into a third-string role, unlikely to see any game time action in the regular season.