Broncos trade for Chargers LB Daiyan Henley

Henley is a 6-0, 225-pound linebacker who was a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Henley has appeared in 56 games and totaled 317 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 4 interceptions, and 15 pass deflections during his time with the Chargers. This season, Henley has appeared in 8 games and totaled 51 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception (which happened this past Sunday), and 2 pass deflections.

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Henley turns 27 years old here in a few days and is in the final year of his rookie deal, but figures to have a role in the Broncos’ defense moving forward. In the short term, Henley will play behind veteran starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, according to reports, but he is a talented linebacker who can cover and blitz, so he should earn some playing time rather quickly.

The Broncos are sending a 2027 4th-round pick to the Chargers, but are expected to get a 4th-round compensation pick due to John Franklin-Myers signing with the Titans in free agency this offseason.

I really like this pick. Henley is a talented player who gives the Broncos something they really need. An athletic linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed that can cover and cover well. He’s an excellent coverage linebacker and can cover tight ends and running backs in the pass game, which has been a multi-year issue for the Broncos.

Justin Strnad has graded out as one of the better coverage linebackers in the NFL, while Alex Singleton has struggled in that area. Singleton has been solid in the run game, but if he were to come off the field on third downs for Henley, I think that would improve the Broncos’ third-down defense. However, we have to see how the Broncos handle this moving forward, but obviously they have a vision for him since they traded for him.

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With Henley in the final year of his deal, and the fact that the Broncos traded a 4th-round pick for him, he seems like a player the team views as part of their future. Time will tell there, but it seems like a move for a player they plan on having beyond this season.