Led by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, the Chargers defense surprised many in 2024. It wasn't just good, it was the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL.
The unit has lost some key pieces in free agency and will ask some of its youngsters to step up in a big way. Let's predict what the starting defense will look like in 2025.
Defensive line: Teair Tart, Da'Shawn Hand, and rookie
Poona Ford was a massive loss in free agency. They did sign Hand and Naquan Jones. However, there's no standout interior pass rusher from this group, and there's reason to think they could use an early pick on a lineman. Someone like Michigan's Kenneth Grant makes sense with the 22nd overall pick, but this draft class offers plenty of talent throughout with starter upside.
Linebackers: Tuli Tuipulotu, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, and Khalil Mack
Joey Bosa missed so much time over the years that the defense got used to playing without him. That kind of experience will help Tuipulotu step into an extended role, something that he seems ready for heading into Year 3. After missing most of his rookie season with an injury, Colson should be ready to step into the starting role. Denzel Perryman was re-signed for depth.
Cornerbacks: Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still
This group lost Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr., so they will need big years out of their two sophomores. Hart and Still got better as the season went on, and the team felt confident enough to utilize them in the starting lineup in their second seasons. They are in decent shape as far as the depth of the position after signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste.
Safeties: Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden
James is arguably the best safety in the game, and Gilman started all 11 games that he appeared in this past season. Elijah Molden was signed to a multi-year extension earlier this offseason, and his versatility is impactful on this defense as the third safety.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Predicting Chargers' 2025 starting defense after free agency
