4 Chargers players who should build off breakout season
The Chargers had a handful of players who stood out last season, with a few on both sides of the ball who enjoyed breakout campaigns. Heading into the 2025 season, there are reasons to believe that they will build off it and continue to make an impact.
Here are four players who fall under that category.
LB Daiyan Henley
Henley hurt his hamstring during his rookie season, and he was primarily a special teams player. One year later, he thrived in his role as a starter. His presence in the middle of the defense was crucial to the Chargers' success. Henley had 147 tackles, the eighth most in the NFL. Despite finishing strong in the coverage department, Henley only recorded a single interception, which came in the final regular-season game against the Raiders. However, the former wide receiver and safety did finish with eight passes defended. Henley should only continue to establish himself as one of the league's top linebackers.
S Elijah Molden
After joining the Chargers via trade, Molden quickly became an integral part of Jesse Minter's defense. Molden's presence in the deep parts of the field allowed Derwin James to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he's proven to be at his best. Molden set career highs in tackles (75), passes defended (7), and interceptions (3). As a result, he was rewarded with a three-year contract extension. With Molden back in the mix, he should continue to be an essential piece of the secondary.
DL Teair Tart
Tart was another addition before the 2024 regular season who made the most of his opportunities. Appearing in all 17 games, Tart was a key cog up front as an interior pass rusher and against the run. He notched 29 tackles, a sack, five tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble. He set career highs in Pro Football Focus overall (76.9) and run defense (70.9) grades. The Chargers lost Poona Ford, who signed with the Rams. They added veterans Da'Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones, as well as rookie Jamaree Caldwell. In a defensive tackle room that's not particularly that strong, Tart's contributions will be crucial.
OL Mekhi Becton
Becton had been given the "first-round bust" label for the first few years of his career during his time with the Jets. That was before he joined the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season, where he re-established himself after making the switch from tackle to guard. Becton posted a PFF grade of 75.2 in the regular season, which was 16th among guards with at least 500 snaps. For a Chargers interior offensive line that struggled in 2024, Becton will provide a boost in both pass protection and in the run-blocking department.
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