What 3rd Round Pick Daiyan Henley Brings to the Chargers

Third round pick Daiyan Henley, a linebacker out of Washington State, gives the Chargers another playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.

The Chargers had two important areas to improve going into the 2023 NFL Draft, wide receiver and their front seven run defense. They addressed these spots early by selecting wide receiver Quentin Johnston, and defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu. This paved the way for the next pick of the Chargers to be the second level of the defense.

Defense Wins Championships

Run defense is a crucial part of a contending team in the NFL today, that both Super Bowl teams this year excelled in.

The Eagles made their defense with intentions to stop the run by building around star Fletcher Cox. What made them an elite defense is what the Eagles did to the second level when they picked up former Chargers linebacker Kyzir White as well as edge Haason Reddick. This free agency formula allowed the Eagles to be a dominant presence in the run game while still generating a strong pass rush.

The Chiefs have an underrated run defense built similarly without as much cash on the defensive side of the ball. Interior defensive lineman Chris Jones is possibly the top run stuffer in the league today. However, their defense made a big jump when they acquired young linebacker Nick Bolton to help in the second level.

These contending teams started their defense from the interior while finding budget friendly linebackers later on. The main difference from the Chiefs compared to the Eagles last season was special teams,

Learning From the Past

The Chargers have struggled mightily in run defense and special teams for the past decade. They have lacked a star interior defensive lineman and proven linebackers since the Junior Seau and Shawne Merriman days in the early 2000s.

Unsurprisingly, the Chargers have been on the losing end to many close games as a result of this. Young head coach Brandon Staley realizes this and is trying to address this as soon as possible.

Henley’s Versatility

The Chargers had a big need at the linebacker position with Drue Tranquill leaving this off-season. This opened the door for Henley to get selected to the bolts. Henley brings great versatility and athleticism to the 2023 Chargers squad. 

He did not start his collegiate career as linebacker, as he started out as a wide receiver at Nevada. It took him a while to get the attention of NFL scouts, but really made a name for himself this past season. 

Henley went from 49 tackles in 2020 to two 100+ tackle seasons in a row to close out his collegiate career. While accomplishing this, he played special teams and even caught a 36 yard pass in his final season.

Henley’s athleticism is his strength, but has different skills than that of current Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray. Murray has struggled in pass coverage despite his athleticism, whereas Henley has shined in the run and passing defense. 

Where Henley Will Fit In the Depth Chart

Henley’s age allows him to play earlier than other rookies. The Chargers already added a linebacker in the off-season in veteran Eric Kendricks.

Henley can play in running and passing downs but with Murray being more experienced, likely Henley will start on special teams and some passing downs.

While the Chargers lack a premier interior presence like the Chiefs and Eagles, they have similar depth in the second level. Injuries are inevitable, which is why depth and versatility is so valuable in the NFL today.

Henley will get a great opportunity to make plays early in the season and can possibly make the starting defense sooner than later.

Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including midseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.

Featured image courtesy of Chargers.com

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