When it comes to the off-ball linebacker room, nearly the same room returns from a season ago.
As opposed to this time last year, however, there is lone player at the top that separated himself and enters this year as one of the newer leaders of the defense.
Henley had a breakout season in 2024 after winning the starting job in training camp and led the Bolts in tackles, displaying his athleticism in coverage and emerging as one of the rising stars at his position in the league.
As he continues to develop on the field he’s also gotten praise for his work as a leader throughout the offseason, as the linebacker hopes to continue his improvement.
“I think the biggest thing about expectations like that is that they have to start within,” Henley said. “It’s not something that people should bestow upon you, you have to want that for yourself to go get it. That’s always been my goal and aspirations, to be that type of player this league for years to come.”
He later added: “It’s a process, and I’m not ever trying to be stagnant. Last year was last year, it is what it is. I can improve. There’s so much more for me out there.”
Perryman and Dye also return to the room, a pair of veterans who stepped up at various points of the season and provided good play for the room alongside Henley. So does Colson, who’s hoping to rebound following his up and down rookie season that was hampered by injuries.
Rounding out the room is Phillips, who has special teams prowess, undrafted free agent Wax and Mauga, who was signed in May.
Players to Watch: Tuli Tuipulotu & Junior Colson
We’ll go with a pair of young players who have a big opportunity to take over big roles in the Chargers defense.
Tuipulotu has been no stranger to stepping in as a starter as the No. 3 guy on the depth chart since the moment he arrived with the team.
However, he is slated to take on a bigger role than he ever has in his third season with the way the position shakes out.
Tuipulotu will surely be leaned on a significant amount on the opposite side of Mack, something those around the team are excited to watch unfold.
“It’s human nature when kind of know going into the previous year knowing you’re third,” Minter said. “Now you kind of know going into the year, ‘This is my chance, one of the guys is gone now.’ I think you just have a different level of confidence.”
Minter later added: “He plays the way we want to play, he trains the way we want guys to train, he does everything that you can want. I think he’s primed to have another year where, same thing, get a little bit better, keep improving and everything else will show.”
As for Colson, he’s had a much different experience heading into Year 2 than he had his rookie season.
The linebacker battled injuries throughout most of the offseason and season until the latter part of the year. This year however, those around the team have been impressed with his work on and off the field.
The early reviews are very positive on Colson, as he will have a better chance to show the strides he’s made when the pads come on in camp.
“He’s back in the place I know him to be,” Harbaugh said about Colson. “Which is key performance indicators. All 5/5s, all A+’s across the board. He’s on a good run, he’s got to stay on that cutting edge, that place.
“But it’s been ascending, arrow up,” Harbaugh added. “Back to where he was physically on a consistent basis.”