Chargers' 2025 defensive depth chart update, draft strategy

[ASFN Admin]

The Chargers had the No. 1 scoring defense in 2024, but they have already lost a ton of talent across the group this offseason. It's general manager Joe Hortiz's job to replenish some of that talent and depth in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft.

Let's look at the current defensive depth chart and sensible draft prospects for the Chargers.

Interior Defensive Line​

Starters: Da'Shawn Hand, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock

Backups: Naquan Jones, Justin Eboigbe

This group has to cause room for concern for Chargers fans. Poona Ford is gone, and they have replaced him with journeymen who have been spot starters in their careers. Michigan's Kenneth Grant would be a phenomenal get in the first round, and the connection (once again) with head coach Jim Harbaugh is there. Oregon's Derrick Harmon is another great potential Round 1 option. Should they wait until the following rounds, guys like Ty Robinson of Nebraska, Darius Alexander of Toledo, Jordan Phillips of Maryland, Cam'Ron Jackson of Florida, and T.J. Sanders of South Carolina are possibilities.

Edge Defender​

Starters: Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu

Backups: Bud Dupree, Caleb Murphy, Chris Collins, Tre'Mon Morris-Brash

Barring a surprise, there seems to be little doubt that the Chargers will use one of their first handful of picks on an edge rusher. Beyond the top three guys on the current roster, there's not much experience. Donovan Ezeiruaku of Boston College is a name that has been popping up recently with Los Angeles' 22nd overall pick, as has Mike Green of Marshall. Suppose neither of those guys ends up a Charger. In that case, fans should familiarize themselves with South Carolina's Kyle Kennard, Michigan's Josaiah Stewart, LSU's Bradyn Swinson, Boise State's Ahmed Hassanein, and Virginia Tech's Antwaun Powell-Ryland.

Linebacker​

Starters: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman

Backups: Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Del'Shawn Phillips

The recent re-signing of Perryman helps this position greatly. Fingers crossed that the veteran can stay healthy, something he has struggled with in past seasons. It's a huge second year for Colson, who could eventually overtake Perryman as the second starter. With the plethora of draft capital, a late-round flier on a linebacker seems likely. Penn State's Kobe King has the pedigree that Jim Harbaugh would love and could make some sense in the middle-to-late stages of the draft.

Cornerback​

Starters: Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still

Backups: Benjamin St. Juste, Ja'Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard

This is one of the deepest positions on the roster and feels set for the most part. Still and Hart proved to be excellent value picks in the 2024 NFL draft. After impressive rookie campaigns, both should be expected to be even better in Year 2. St. Juste has his flaws, but he's a solid No. 4 given his starting experience in the NFL. This coaching staff has a knack for developing players of the position in the later rounds, and I wouldn't be surprised if that trend continues.

Safety​

Starters: Derwin James, Alohi Gilman

Backups: Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, Kendall Williamson

The front office did a good job of holding this group intact, as the team has versatile options alongside its superstar in James. With all of the team's late-round picks, safety will likely be used with one of those selections. Alabama's Malachi Moore is an intriguing name that fits the billing of a late-round pick with his playmaking abilities displayed in the SEC.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: What should be Chargers' plan on defensive side ahead of NFL draft?

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