Dominance in His First Year as Starter
Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley made a significant impact in his first season as a full-time starter, leading Los Angeles with 147 tackles and establishing himself as a central force on defense.
As far as Henley is concerned, his journey is only beginning. “It’s a process, and I’m not ever trying to be stagnant,” Henley said Thursday, per the team’s website. “Last year was last year, it is what it is. I can improve. There’s so much more for me out there.”
From Rotational Rookie to Defensive Anchor
Henley’s standout performance included more than just tackles. Along with ranking eighth in the league in that category, he added eight passes defensed, seven tackles for loss, an interception, and a sack. It was a dramatic leap from his rookie season in 2023, when the third-round pick contributed just 16 tackles in a rotational role across 15 games.
His emergence played a key part in revitalizing a Chargers defense that finished first in the league in scoring defense, the first time the franchise has done so since joining the NFL. The last time Los Angeles led the league in points allowed was back in 1963, during its AFL days.
New Season, New Expectations
Henley rose in 2024 without the pressure of external expectations. That won’t be the case in his third year, as he enters the season with increased scrutiny following a breakout campaign.
Still, any outside projections won’t outweigh his own ambitions. “I think the biggest thing about expectations like that is that they have to start within,” he 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 [in] this league for years to come. Whether it’s this year, next year, that’s something I’m continuously working for.”
Stepping Into a Leadership Role
Henley’s progression now includes more responsibility as a leader. The Chargers still have established voices in veterans like Khalil Mack and Derwin James, but with the departure of Joey Bosa this offseason, opportunities to lead have opened up.
According to James, Henley is already stepping into that space with confidence. “He’s talking more, he’s being that leader, he’s confident,” James said. “I feel like the more Daiyan continues to play, the more he continues to lead, it’ll be that much easier for him. He’s that type of guy.”
Striving to Close the Gap
While Henley put up impressive numbers, there’s still room for growth if he’s to reach the elite level teammates believe he’s capable of. Despite his productivity, he earned a 69.5 overall defensive grade from PFF, including a 65 in run defense and 71.3 in coverage.
By comparison, Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, who finished with four more tackles than Henley and was named a first-team All-Pro, posted a 90.2 defensive grade, 79.4 in run defense, and 90.9 in coverage. Henley appears well aware of the distance between where he stands and where he wants to be.
Quiet Goals, Loud Work Ethic
Whether chasing individual honors or greater statistical achievements, Henley is choosing to keep his specific goals private. “I got goals and expectations for sure, but I’m going to keep them to myself because it’s something I’m continuously saying, something I’m continuously working for,” Henley said. “We’ll leave it like that. Just going to get to it and see where I land.”
