Chargers draft LB Daiyan Henley with 3rd-round selection

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 85 pick.

Henley joins linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu among the Chargers' defensive selections. L.A. selected receiver Quentin Johnston in the first round.

Henley, an L.A. native, returns to play for his hometown team after recording 106 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one interception in 2022.

The selection allows the Chargers to add more depth to a talented linebacking corps that includes Khalil Mack, Kenneth Murray Jr., and Eric Kendricks.

Pre-draft profile

Henley, one of many undersized linebackers in this year's draft, offers excellent athleticism and a mentality that translates to the NFL. He's seemingly always around the ball, but he could improve in zone coverage as he's prone to falling a half-step behind receivers. Aggressive in attacking his assignment, the Washington State product figures to start his pro career playing the run downhill and erasing tight ends and running backs in man coverage, but he has the movement skills to develop into a bona fide star. His collegiate path was unconventional, with five years at Nevada before a transfer to Washington State ahead of last season. Should his progression continue, however, he'll be one of the league's most exciting linebackers for years to come.