The Los Angeles Chargers ended spring minicamp with former third-round selection Daiyan Henley as the fourth linebacker in their defensive rotation. Now, after one of the best training camps and preseasons of any player on the team, he might just be their opening day starter.
When the Chargers signed veteran Denzel Perryman and drafted Junior Colson in the third round, it appeared the linebacker starting duo was already set. Henley, a former college safety-turned-linebacker, was going to spend the next year growing and developing to become the long-term starter opposite Colson in 2025 and beyond.
Life had other plans. On July 17th, the Chargers placed Colson on the NFI List following an appendectomy. The move forced Henley into the starting role opposite Perryman, granting him an extended period of time to showcase his talent with the first-team defense. From the first day to the most recent preseason game, Henley has been unbelievably good.
Daiyan Henley 1v1 against the RB in coverage.
— Thomas Martinez (@BoltsDraftTalk) August 13, 2024
Not bad...😉 pic.twitter.com/gzZvttuI2t
Through two preseason games and just 45 total snaps, Henley has four total tackles (and zero missed tackles), two run stops, one pass breakup, and several key rushes. While he has not been credited with a pressure, film study highlights how Henley's ferocious pass rush and bulldozing of opposing running backs accelerated throws. That skill set is indispensable in Jesse Minter's blitz-heavy scheme.
When linebacker coach NaVorro Bowman was asked about Henley at his introductory press conference, he said the following:
His athletic ability, man. He's well put together. We're new. We're all new seeing him. It's exciting, just to see the things and the way that he can move around. He's doing a great job thus far. He was here, so you get the first shot to own this position. Just don't give it up, man. It's early right now, but the level of group one and group two — anybody can go out right now and play.
Henley, so far, has not let go. Now, with just one preseason game left, it looks like he will be a key starter heading into the opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
