When the Chargers first unofficial depth chart was released Tuesday, Daiyan Henley was in one of the two starting spots at linebacker.
It was a familiar place for Henley as the second-year linebacker ran with the first-team defense throughout the spring. That trend has continued through all 13 training camp practices, too.
Is Henley satisfied with where he's at? Not even close.
"That is the next step ... earning that starting role," Henley said Wednesday after practice. "Nothing is official, but I think the biggest part for me is the next step. I want to earn that spot, I want to earn that trust. Not only from the coaches, but from my teammates."
Henley later added: "I could be perfectly fine being on the unofficial depth chart as a starter, perfectly fine with being a starter since OTAs. But it's 17 games-plus. That plus being we want to go far. I can't be complacent with where I'm at right now. It's so much more to be done."
Henley entered the offseason with an opportunity as the Bolts lost both starting linebacker from a season ago.
He's since attacked it with a focus to become much more than just a starter in Year 2.
"I put in the extra work to do it, I've spent more time in the building and I try to make sure I spend more time on my body alone," Henley said. "I want to be the guy they can look at and know he's out there for the right reasons, he's out there cause he wants to be on that field.
"When I say for the right reasons, I mean for that win, for the team, for that aspect of it. I feel like that's my next step," Henley added. "I have to earn it first. Nothing is done without the work and the effort put into it."
On the field, Henley's unique abilities have turned some heads up to this point.
Not only can he attack the run downhill, he's flashed his athleticism in the passing game.
A lot of it stems from his background in college, having played wide receiver, safety, nickel corner and linebacker during his time at Nevada.
Defensive teammate Derwin James, Jr., has certainly noticed it, as he can see how those skills translate on the field.
"He's actually a safety to me playing linebacker because he can cover guys really good," James said after Sunday's practice. "I think it's patience. He don't try to over guard people… He is very patient, and I feel he can cover running backs and tight ends."
Check out the best photos from the twelfth day of Training Camp 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo!
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter echoed James' sentiment, adding how the linebacker's mindset has helped shape that.
"I see him as a linebacker that you can tell has a defensive back background," Minter said on Sunday. "There're guys like that where, their body took off on him. He's a 235-pound ball of muscle but he's really fast, athletic, he has really good coverage sense from playing a skill position most of his life, which is helpful.
"He's just kept getting better, he chases getting better every single day, which not everybody does," Minter added. "Some guy you just come out there. But it's like, 'Man I'm focused on these one or two things today, I'm chasing this.'… Just keep getting better, keep chasing it and if he keeps that mindset, I think he'll have a chance to be successful for us."
That coverage sense Minter mentioned was evident on one particular play during Wednesday's practice.
On a third-and-seven in a team drill with starters, quarterback Easton Stick floated a pass into the flat for tight end Stone Smartt.
Henley read the play perfectly and would've had a clean opportunity to make a big hit in a game.
But since it was practice, the play ended with Henley tagging Smartt on his back. The Bolts defensive sideline erupted, however, as the group knew what the outcome could have been in live action.
Henley said he hopes to get that chance in the team's first preseason game on Saturday against the Seahawks.
"As much as a I live for those moments, I also live for a healthy Stone," Henley said. "I would love to do that, but also that's not [it].
"I'm cool with hitting the next guy. I can't wait to hit the tight end for the Seahawks, you know what I'm saying," Henley added. "That's what I'm looking forward to more than Stone. I can't wait."
