Chargers Camp Report: Daiyan Henley Snags 1st INT as Defense Shines

Jul 19, 2025 at 11:03 AM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

Day 2 of Chargers Training Camp is complete after the Bolts practiced in El Segundo for nearly 90 minutes without pads.

The Chargers will practice Saturday at 5 p.m. (PT) at The Bolt.

Here is the Chargers Camp Report from Friday's practice:

1. Henley leads the way

Expectations — both internally and externally — are high for Daiyan Henley heading into the 2025 season.

Given the way Henley played a season ago, it's not hard to fathom him blossoming into a Pro-Bowl caliber player with the Bolts.

The Chargers linebacker showed why that potential is evident Friday when he recorded the first interception in team drills of camp.

Henley perfectly read Justin Herbert's eyes to step in front of a pass intended for Ladd McConkey as the linebacker snagged the pick and raced the other way.

That play itself was impressive, but what was extra special is what Henley did a few minutes before during a water break.

The Chargers had previously worked on 2-point plays in team drills, with Herbert finding McConkey for a score with Henley in coverage. (Note: Khalil Mack likely would have had a sack on the play).

Instead of taking a water break, Henley and fellow linebacker Denzel Perryman spent a few minutes reviewing the play on a video board the Chargers have that shows replays.

Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said the impromptu film session is another example of Henley's drive to be great.

"We were talking about what happened on one of the 2-point plays," Minter said. "He's just so dialed in to wanting to be perfect every play. I think you're never going to be perfect, but you just really chase execution and being in the right spot.

"When you do that, it allows you at times for your natural ability to take over. That's another one where it's like, 'Be where you're supposed to be, do what you're supposed to do and then at times, let your own ability go make plays.' Later on it's certainly what happened on that [takeaway]," Minter added.

Henley's interception highlighted a big day for the defense as rookie defensive back RJ Mickens later had an interception off Taylor Heinicke.

"I see a young guy that has a great intent about him about what he wants to do, how he wants to get better," Minter said of the recent sixth-round pick. "I think he's been well-trained in his college career about how to play, his instincts.

"Competitive player in a competitive situation in that room that has that skillset," Minter added. "Look forward just to seeing how that shakes out."

Mack and Bud Dupree stood out, too, as both got into the backfield for would-be sacks. And safety Kendall Williamson knocked away a Herbert pass on the first throw of practice to help set the tone.

Overall, Minter said he like the vibe on Day 2 from his defense.

"You just like the competitiveness, the energy, guys making plays," Minter said. "It's always up and down during training camp, there's always back and forth days."

He later added: "It's always great when guys go out there and make plays, for sure."