Even while bringing a new defensive coordinator into the fold in Chris O'Leary, the Los Angeles Chargers have all the tools they need to meet the standard of defensive dominance they've set over the past two seasons.
There are certainly concerns about what a decline for Derwin James Jr. might look like by the end of his three-year, $75.6 million contract extension. But in the short-term, he's still among the league's crop of elite safeties, and he'll be the lynchpin of this Chargers defense as long as he's on the squad. When you factor in their additions on the defensive line and the clear depth of their inside linebacker room, the Chargers defense certainly has a shot at being a top-10 unit again in 2026.
For the most part, Los Angeles' defensive depth chart is easily projectable.
But there's certainly also room for movement in training camp, particularly with the rookie contributors that have been brought in this offseason. Fourth-round draft pick Genesis Smith, for example, will be vying for snaps at the second safety position when James moves into his traditional nickel/dime role.
Smith impressed during the offseason program, and he has a real chance to siphon snaps away from the Chargers' safeties that usually line up opposite Elijah Molden. But even with the safety room in flux, we can't forget about the impressive rookie campaign that RJ Mickens put up in 2025.
RJ Mickens is still a potential breakout candidate, even with Genesis Smith right on his heels heading into training camp
Eventually, the Chargers will need to reconfigure their safety rotation, especially considering how heavy of a quarters-based defense the unit projects to remain under O'Leary. But for now, depth is the name of the game— and Los Angeles has plenty of it.
Molden established himself as a solid starter when he was healthy last season, and his position should be locked down heading into 2026. Across from Molden, the Chargers brought back Tony Jefferson on a one-year, $1.5 million deal to pair him with Mickens and Smith at the second safety spot.
Coming into the Draft, Smith's primary concerns centered around his tackling abilities. He posted a less-than-ideal missed tackle rate of 19.8% in his final season at the University of Arizona, per Pro Football Focus. But in terms of pure ball-hawking abilities, Smith has major upside.
If the Chargers want to develop him as a deep safety, he'll need to show rapid improvement in his ability to track his man and finish his tackles. But tackling can be taught as long as there's a willingness on the part of the player. What can't be taught is Smith's distinct feel for the ball.
It must also be remembered that, like Minter, O'Leary's scheme will likely prioritize having versatile and staunch safeties on the field as often as possible. When James slides to a nickel/dime role, the Chargers need their safeties to be able to rotate into as many situations as possible.
Mickens was impressive last season because of his immediate ability to fill that role. It allowed the Chargers to move Alohi Gilman to address their pass-rushing needs in their trade for Odafe Oweh. Mickens took on a defensive snap share of 61.8% from Week 8 onwards. Per Pro Football Focus, he took 63 snaps as a box safety, 237 snaps as a free safety, and 25 snaps in the slot in 2025.
His versatility and proven track record at the NFL level will be valuable assets in O'Leary's first season running the show in Los Angeles. Smith might have higher upside, but until he proves he's a viable tackler at this level, Mickens should have the upper hand in any training camp battle.
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