Projecting Chargers’ linebacker depth chart in 2022
Over the next week, we will break down the depth chart for each Chargers position.
Today, the focus is on how the linebacker room will look heading into 2022.
Kenneth Murray
Murray’s sophomore season was not all sunshine and rainbows. Murray dealt with ankle issues since training camp last year, and that stunted his development. He spent six weeks on the injured reserve and some time on the COVID-19/Reserve list. When on the field, Murray struggled with missed tackles, over-pursuing ball carriers, and struggling to shed blocks and work off contact. Murray ended up experiencing a new position as an edge defender late in the season when the team was limited with players at the spot, which was a challenge. Murray had ankle surgery in early April, and Brandon Staley said the hope is the former first-round pick will be ready for training camp.
Drue Tranquill
After a promising rookie season in 2019, expectations were high for Tranquill. Unfortunately, a broken ankle in Week 1 of his sophomore campaign forced him to miss the entire 2020 season. Last year in Staley’s system, Tranquill finished with 79 tackles, five tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and a pass defended in 14 games. When healthy, Tranquill is solid against the run and used to rush the passer in pressure packages.
Troy Reeder
Reeder was signed before the draft. Reeder is familiar with Staley’s defense, having played under him when he was the Rams’ defensive coordinator during the 2020 season. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Rams in 2019, Reeder produced 230 tackles, fives sacks, eight passes defended, and two interceptions over the past three seasons. Last season marked his most productive, as Reeder totaled 91 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and six pass breakups.
Nick Niemann
The Chargers’ middle-of-the-pack special teams did not have a lot of veterans; instead, they rolled with their rookie class as the main core last season. Among the crop, Niemann ended up being a bright spot, finishing with 14 special teams tackles on coverage units, which tied for fourth-most in the NFL. While expected to be a major contributor on special teams, Niemann could earn some snaps on defense if he performs in camp.
Amen Ogbongbemiga
Ogbongbemiga was thrust into the action in his rookie season when injuries occurred. In the two games that he started, Ogbongbemiga produced 26 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Like Niemann, Ogbongbemiga will primarily be a contributor on coverage units, but he could earn snaps if he shows up at camp or players go down with injuries.
