With just 50 days before the start of the regular season, Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports compiled a list of 50 “under-the-radar” players “who could shape the 2025 season.” While the focus for most teams goes to their star players, Pereles included two lesser-known Chargers going in different directions.
Most of the attention this offseason has gone to the offensive line, which is understandable, given the position group’s importance. But, the Chargers have one of the most promising young linebackers in the league in Daiyan Henley.
Henley is entering just his third season, but Pereles believes he’s a “major ascending talent in the middle of the Chargers defense,” listing him at No. 42.
Chargers LB Daiyan Henley is a “Major Ascending Talent”
For all the discussion of the Chargers’ needs on the offensive side of the ball, their succession plan at linebacker looks as solid as any in the league. Khalil Mack flirted with retirement this offseason. But, he’s been grooming third-year linebacker Daiyan Henley as his eventual replacement, and the results speak for themselves.
After playing just 54 snaps as a rookie, the Chargers rising star took advantage of his opportunity. He logged just under 1,000 snaps, recording a team-leading 147 tackles (7 for loss), 8 pass deflections and 1 interception.
While he only racked up 1 sack last season, the Chargers linebacker excelled in pass coverage. According to PFF’s Mason Cameron, Henley’s “71.3 PFF coverage grade in 2024 ranked in the top 10 among qualifying linebackers.”
“A smooth athlete who covers very well for the position, Henley is a major ascending talent in the middle of the Chargers defense, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a breakout 2025 is in store,” Pereles wrote.
OL Zion Johnson Lands at No. 25 on Pereles’ List
While Henley is on the rise, his teammate, Zion Johnson, is fighting for a starting spot on the offensive line. Johnson has spent his first three seasons at guard. But, the Chargers will need more from him no matter where he plays this year.
Speaking of that position battle, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reiterated last month that “he usually prefers to get eight to 10 days into training camp before trying to nail down a starting five combination,” according to Chargers Editorial Director Eric Smith.
“[That] historically is when I typically like to start setting the starting lineups,” Harbaugh said, according to Smith. “From now until then, the competition will continue.”
We may have to wait another 2 weeks for their matchup against the Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. Harbaugh has yet to reveal which combination he’ll put out there, but he’s been confident in the process.
“The guys I said that were starting a few, maybe a month or two ago, are in some combination,” Harbaugh said last month, according to Smith. “Zion and Boze have been doing what we had foreseen. That’s working out really well.”
No matter where Johnson plays, the Chargers will hope he can provide more consistent protection and effective run blocking. He ranked outside the top 50 in both run blocking and pass blocking last season. That doesn’t bode well for an offense as well-balanced as LA’s.
“The Chargers hope that brings out more from the 2022 first-rounder, and if that proves true, it will dramatically help the interior of the line, which struggled between bookend tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt,” wrote Pereles.
Analyst: “Ascending” Chargers Linebacker Ready for Breakout in 2025