Depth Chart Analysis for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense

The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense enters the 2025 NFL season with a mix of proven veterans, emerging young talent, and strategic depth—elements that could make them one of the AFC’s most disruptive units if they stay healthy. Depth Chart Analysis for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense breaks down each position group, evaluating starters, backup options, positional strengths, and potential vulnerabilities that could shape the team’s defensive performance. For a franchise aiming to bounce back from a playoff miss, understanding this depth chart isn’t just about listing names—it’s about identifying how the Chargers can maximize their talent to shut down high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.

Depth Chart Analysis for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense begins with the defensive line, the foundation of the Chargers’ pass rush and run defense. At defensive end, the starters are a pair of proven playmakers: Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 58 sacks in his career and remains one of the league’s best at setting the edge against the run. Mack, a six-time Pro Bowler in his 11th season, showed no signs of slowing down in 2024, tallying 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. The backup edge rushers include Chris Rumph II, a third-year player with 7 career sacks, and undrafted free agent Ty Shelby, who impressed in training camp with his speed off the edge. At defensive tackle, the starters are Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day—both run-stuffing specialists who combined for 85 tackles last season. The depth here is solid, with veteran Linval Joseph (a two-time Pro Bowler) and rookie third-round pick Malik McDowell providing rotational support. This group’s strength lies in its star power at edge rusher, though questions remain about whether the backups can maintain pressure if Bosa or Mack misses time.

Depth Chart Analysis for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense delves into the linebacker corps, a position group that has undergone significant changes in the offseason. The starting middle linebacker is Eric Kendricks, a free-agent signing who brings 10 years of NFL experience and a Pro Bowl resume to the Chargers. Kendricks, known for his leadership and ability to read offenses, recorded 117 tackles and 2 interceptions with the Minnesota Vikings last season. On the weak side, the starter is Kenneth Murray Jr., a 2020 first-round pick who has finally found his rhythm—he tallied 98 tackles and 3 sacks in 2024, emerging as a reliable run stopper. The strong-side linebacker spot is held by Drue Tranquill, a versatile player who can shift between run support and pass coverage. The backup linebackers include Troy Reeder, a special teams standout who can fill in at any linebacker position, and rookie fifth-round pick Jake Hansen, a tackling machine from Iowa who excels in zone coverage. This group’s biggest strength is its versatility, but depth is a concern—if Kendricks or Murray gets injured, the Chargers would rely on unproven backups to anchor the defense.

Depth Chart Analysis for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense examines the cornerback position, a unit that blends veteran stability with young potential. The starting outside corners are J.C. Jackson and Asante Samuel Jr. Jackson, a former Pro Bowler, bounced back from an injury-plagued 2023 season to record 4 interceptions and 12 pass deflections in 2024, reestablishing himself as a shutdown corner. Samuel, a third-year player, has quickly become one of the league’s most promising young corners—he notched 3 interceptions and 15 pass deflections last season, using his speed and ball skills to disrupt opposing receivers. The slot corner spot is held by Michael Davis, a physical player who excels at covering tight ends and slot receivers. The backup corners include Ja’Sir Taylor, a special teams contributor who has shown flashes of potential in limited defensive snaps, and rookie fourth-round pick Keenan Isaac, a quick, agile corner who needs more seasoning. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the cornerback group is a strength—Jackson and Samuel form one of the AFC’s top outside pairs—but depth beyond the top three is thin, which could be exposed if injuries strike.

Depth Chart Analysis for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense explores the safety position, where the Chargers have built a balanced mix of experience and youth. The starting free safety is Derwin James Jr., a three-time Pro Bowler and the heart of the Chargers’ secondary. James is a do-it-all safety who can line up in the box, cover tight ends, or play deep—he recorded 102 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 2024, proving he’s still one of the league’s most versatile defenders. The strong safety spot is held by Alohi Gilman, a fourth-year player who has developed into a reliable run defender—he tallied 87 tackles and 1 interception last season, complementing James’ playmaking ability. The backup safeties include Nasir Adderley, a former starter who now provides rotational depth, and rookie sixth-round pick Brady Breeze, a hard-hitting safety who excels on special teams. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the safety group is a cornerstone of the defense—James is a franchise player, and Gilman has emerged as a steady sidekick. The depth here is solid, with Adderley capable of stepping in as a starter if needed, though Breeze is still a work in progress.

Depth Chart Analysis for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense wraps up with a look at the overall strength of the depth chart and its implications for the season. The Chargers’ defense has clear strengths: a star-studded defensive line with Bosa and Mack, a talented cornerback pair in Jackson and Samuel, and a franchise-caliber safety in James. These groups give the Chargers the ability to pressure quarterbacks, shut down top receivers, and make game-changing plays. However, there are vulnerabilities: linebacker depth beyond the starters is unproven, and the backup corners and safeties lack experience. If the Chargers stay healthy, this defense could rank in the top 10 in the NFL—but injuries to key players could quickly expose their depth issues. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the depth chart reflects a team built to compete now: they’ve invested in proven veterans at critical positions while drafting young players to develop for the future. As the season progresses, how well the backups step up when called upon will determine whether this defense can carry the Chargers to a playoff berth. “Our depth chart is a reflection of our mindset—we want to win now, but we’re also building for the long term,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. “If everyone plays to their potential, this defense can be special.”