The Chargers are getting closer to their Week 1 showdown with the Chiefs in Brazil, with two weeks remaining until Los Angeles suits up for the season opener.
Here’s our prediction for what the defense will look like when Los Angeles lines up for their first play.
Defensive Line: Teair Tart, Otito Ogbonnia, Da’Shawn Hand
The defensive line group looks like it will be among the deepest on the Chargers roster this season. Tart has looked ready for a bigger role after impressing as a role player last season. Ogbonnia is among the most-improved players on the roster this offseason. Hand has been one of the best players during the preseason.
Third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell has flashed all preseason, however, and his front versatility should make him a part of the rotation quickly. Justin Eboigbe has added weight this season and improved as a run defender, while Naquan Jones could add some value as an interior pass rusher. If Scott Matlock plays defense this season as well, LA will be seven-deep on the line.
Edge Rusher: Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu
No surprises here. Mack still looks like a potentially dominant rusher despite his advancing age and the Chargers will undoubtedly be excited to unleash him against another team. Tuipulotu is primed for a bigger role as a full-time starter for the first time. Bud Dupree will rotate in frequently after being extended this offseason as well.
Linebacker: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman
Henley broke out last season and is poised to seize recognition as one of the game’s top linebackers if he takes another step forward. While the Chargers have been optimistic about a similar breakout year from Junior Colson, the second-year linebacker is now injured and could start the year on injured reserve depending on severity. Perryman was the team’s best run defender last season and will provide a stabilizing presence.
Cornerback: Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter told the media Thursday said he believes the Chargers have four starting-caliber corners: Jackson, Still, Cam Hart, and Benjamin St-Juste. All but Jackson have missed portions of training camp with injuries, however, and Hart and St-Juste seem a bit further behind than Still. When a third corner comes on the field, expect Hart to come in on the outside with Still kicking into the slot.
Safety: Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman
The Chargers will play three safeties plenty this season, so Elijah Molden’s exclusion here is nothing to be worried about. James will move into the slot for a majority of his reps when Los Angeles plays nickel with Gilman and Molden as the deep safeties. But in base packages, Gilman seems more likely to take the field next to James as a slightly more proficient single-high defender while James moves into the box.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Predicting the Chargers’ starting defense ahead of Week 1 vs. Chiefs
Reporting by Alex Katson, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
