Chargers News: Daiyan Henley's Versatility Is 2nd To None

A closer look at LA's new linebacker.

Your Los Angeles Chargers made a fascinatingly tantalizing addition to their roster over the weekend, among their many draft picks. 

Former Washington State University standout Daiyan Henley, a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection as a linebacker with the Cougars in 2022, has an incredibly versatile bag of tricks at his disposal.

Per Chargers senior writer Eric L. Smith, Henley was first recruited to the University of Nevada on offense, as a wide receiver, before switching to the other side of the ball. But even then, he initially started as a safety before eventually transitioning to his current gig. 

When he transferred to WSU last year, the 6'1" linebacker made an immediate impact. His 106 tackles (54 solo, 52 assisted) during his lone season with the Cougars ranked him second among all Pac-12 athletes. 

As Smith notes, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator has Henley slated as the draft's top linebacker prospect this season.

Henley's ability to credibly play other positions makes him a fascinating addition to the Bolts' revamped roster. I'm not saying I expect Brandon Staley to utilize him as a wide receiver in training camp this spring, but at least it's an actual option.

Given that Los Angeles has opted to allow fourth-year linebacker Kenneth Murray's option for the 2024 season, the athletic Henley pick was clearly made with an eye on Murray's eventual roster slot, even if team president Tom Telesco protested to the contrary.