The Chargers needed to bolster their linebacker corps this offseason. They did so with the signing of veteran Eric Kendricks and the selection of Daiyan Henley in the third round.
Henley, the former Washington State product, showcased why he was one of the best linebackers in this year’s draft class with an impressive performance in the preseason loss to the Saints on Sunday.
With Kendricks, Kenneth Murray, Nick Niemann and Amen Ogbongbemiga all sitting, Henley got the start in the middle of the defense and wore the green dot as head coach Brandon Staley’s primary play-caller.
It didn’t take long to notice Henley. He showcased his speed to consistently make one-on-one tackles on running backs in the open field.
He did make a mistake in coverage early in the second quarter when he lost running back Kendre Miller on a wheel route up the sideline for a 27-yard gain.
Nonetheless, nine times out of ten, the former wide receiver and defensive back is making a play on the football in the air, with coverage being one of his primary strengths.
Against the run, Henley made a great play in the second quarter. Winston handed off to Miller and Henley read it well, using his quickness to knife the gap and make a good wrap-up tackle at the line of scrimmage.
#FFIDP Daiyan Henley knifes through to get the tackle on Miller.. pic.twitter.com/A5fettyvfl
— Mike Woellert (@Mike_Woellert) August 21, 2023
Henley also made an eye-popping play as a pass rusher. He blitzed in between the left tackle and guard with no blocker in the backfield and with his acceleration coming downhill, Winston had no time to react, resulting in a combined sack with edge defender Carlo Kemp.
Henley led the team with nine tackles.
young guys doin' work pic.twitter.com/jS1WVpquqj
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 21, 2023
“I liked the way Daiyan played,” Staley said. “I thought he was aggressive. I think you see what an outstanding tackler he is. He can really feel the run game. He’s physical, outstanding in the blitz game. He just needs to keep improving because he’ll learn a lot from it.”
Henley will start the season as a core special teamer and continue to develop his game at the position, considering he’s only been playing linebacker for three years. But with his coverage chops and prolific blitzing skills, Henley could see some playing time on defense.
Looking ahead, Henley has the necessary traits and makeup to become a starter for the Bolts in his second season, especially after the presumed departure of Kenneth Murray, who is a free agent after the upcoming season.