Chargers depth chart: Projecting the 11 starters on defense

The 2026 Chargers defense enters the season with proven veterans, emerging young talent, and continuity under new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary.

The unit features a stout defensive line anchored by Dalvin Tomlinson and Teair Tart, a solid edge-rusher trio in Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and first-round pick Akheem Mesidor, and second- and third-level playmakers, including star safety Derwin James Jr.

While the regular season is still months away, here is our first projection of what the Week 1 starting defense will look like now that the roster-building process is about complete.

Projected Starting Defense

• DL: Dalvin Tomlinson
• DL: Teair Tart
• Edge: Tuli Tuipulotu
• Edge: Khalil Mack
• ILB: Denzel Perryman
• ILB: Daiyan Henley
• CB: Tarheeb Still
• CB: Cam Hart
• CB: Donte Jackson
• S: Derwin James Jr.
• S: Elijah Molden

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Projecting the Chargers 2026 starting defense