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