Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers

In the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 defensive resurgence—ranked 10th in the NFL in points allowed—one unsung hero has emerged: linebacker Daiyan Henley. The 25-year-old, a 2023 third-round pick out of Washington State, has transformed from a developmental prospect into one of the league’s most reliable tacklers, using his combination of speed, strength, and football IQ to shut down opposing running games and limit YAC (yards after catch). Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers explores his statistical dominance, the technical nuances of his tackling, his impact on key defensive stops, and how he’s become a linchpin in Jim Harbaugh’s physical defensive scheme. For the Chargers, Henley’s ability to wrap up and bring down ball carriers isn’t just a skill—it’s a defensive cornerstone that keeps opponents out of the end zone.

Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his eye-popping 2025 statistics, which solidify his status as a top-tier tackler. Through 13 weeks, Henley leads the Chargers with 128 total tackles (76 solo, 52 assisted)—ranking 4th in the NFL—and has recorded 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. What sets his numbers apart is consistency: he’s tallied 10+ tackles in 8 games this season, including a career-high 15-tackle performance in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. His tackle success rate—91.2% (meaning he misses just 1 out of every 11 tackle attempts)—ranks 2nd among NFL linebackers with 100+ tackles. “Daiyan’s tackle count speaks for itself, but the success rate is what impresses me most,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. “He doesn’t just make tackles—he makes sure tackles. He rarely lets a ball carrier slip away, which keeps drives alive for opponents.” Henley attributes his consistency to film study: “I watch every snap of the opponent’s running backs and receivers to learn their tendencies—how they cut, how they try to break tackles. When I see them on the field, I know exactly how to bring them down.”

Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers continues with the technical skill behind his tackling—specifically, his form and ability to read plays in real time. Unlike some linebackers who rely on brute strength, Henley uses a textbook approach: he keeps his knees bent, lowers his shoulder to absorb contact, and wraps his arms around the ball carrier’s legs to prevent escapes. This technique minimizes injury risk (for both him and opponents) and maximizes tackle success. His read-and-react speed is equally critical: he studies offensive formations pre-snap to anticipate plays, allowing him to reach ball carriers before they can build momentum. In Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens, Henley read a zone run by Lamar Jackson, cut off the running lane, and tackled Jackson for a 2-yard loss—all in under 2 seconds. “Daiyan’s ability to process information quickly is rare,” said Chargers linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite. “He doesn’t just react to plays—he predicts them. That’s why he’s always in the right place at the right time.” Opposing running backs have taken notice: “Tackling Daiyan is like hitting a brick wall,” said Ravens running back Gus Edwards. “He wraps you up tight, and you can’t break free. He makes it hard to get any yards after contact.”

Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers also highlights his role in the Chargers’ improved run defense, which has jumped from 21st in 2024 to 12th in 2025 (allowing 112 yards per game). As the Chargers’ middle linebacker, Henley is the “MIKE” defender—responsible for calling defensive signals and plugging gaps in the run game. When opponents run up the middle, Henley often takes on offensive linemen one-on-one, using his 230-pound frame to shed blocks and make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage. In Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he stopped Bengals running back Joe Mixon for no gain on four consecutive carries, forcing a punt. “Daiyan is the backbone of our run defense,” Ansley said. “When he’s making tackles in the backfield or clogging gaps, it makes everyone else’s job easier. He slows down the run game, which forces offenses to pass—playing right into our strengths.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, a strong run defense is key to their overall defensive strategy: it keeps opponents one-dimensional, allowing edge rushers like Joey Bosa and Bud Dupree to focus on sacking the quarterback. “Without Daiyan stopping the run, our pass rush wouldn’t be as effective,” Bosa said. “He’s the reason we can be aggressive up front.”

Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers delves into his growth as a tackler since entering the NFL, and how the Chargers’ coaching staff has helped refine his skill. As a rookie in 2023, Henley struggled with missed tackles (a 78% success rate) and overcommitting to plays, leading to long gains for opponents. The Chargers’ staff worked with him on patience and technique: Wilhoite drilled him on keeping his eyes on the ball carrier (not the blocker) and using his speed to chase down plays instead of forcing tackles. By 2024, his success rate climbed to 85%, and in 2025, he’s reached elite status. “The coaches never gave up on me,” Henley said. “They saw my potential and worked with me every day to fix my mistakes. Now, tackling feels second nature.” The Chargers’ investment in his development has paid off: Henley is now a core part of their long-term defensive plans, with talks of a contract extension already underway. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Henley’s growth is a testament to their player development system: “We draft players for their potential, then we invest in them to help them reach it,” said general manager Tom Telesco. “Daiyan is a perfect example—he’s gone from a project to one of our most important defenders.”

Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with his impact on the Chargers’ playoff aspirations and his growing recognition around the league. As the Chargers push for a top AFC seed, Henley’s tackling will be critical in slowing down high-powered running games like the Kansas City Chiefs’ (led by Isiah Pacheco) and the Buffalo Bills’ (led by James Cook). His performance has already earned him Pro Bowl buzz, with fans and analysts alike calling for his inclusion in the annual all-star game. “Daiyan doesn’t get the same attention as Bosa or Derwin James, but he’s just as important,” said season-ticket holder Maria Gonzalez. “Every time he makes a tackle, he’s saving points. He’s the unsung hero of this defense.” Henley, ever humble, credits his teammates: “I couldn’t make these tackles without the defensive line stopping blockers and the secondary covering receivers. It’s a team effort.” As the Chargers head into the playoffs, one thing is clear: Daiyan Henley's Tackling Prowess for the Los Angeles Chargers is more than just a skill—it’s a competitive advantage. In a league where every yard matters, Henley’s ability to shut down ball carriers could be the difference between a playoff win and a loss. For the Chargers, he’s not just a linebacker—he’s a game-changer, and a key part of their quest for a Super Bowl title.