Chargers top defensive triplet falls just outside NFL’s top 10

The trio of Khalil Mack, Daiyan Henley, and Derwin James was named the 12th-best “defensive triplet” in the NFL, by Sports Illustrated.

One of my favorite offseason article ideas is ranking each NFL team’s top “triplets,” whether that’s on the offensive or defensive side of the ball.

Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated just dropped his latest on the league’s top defensive trios and he’s got the Bolts near the top but still just outside the top 10 at No. 12.

For his trio, he picked edge rusher Khalil Mack, linebacker Daiyan Henley, and safety Derwin James.

“The Chargers went from one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2023 to the league leader in scoring defense, allowing only an average of 17.7 points last season. Mack showed last season he still has plenty to offer as he heads into his age-34 season. Henley made a name for himself with a productive second season, including 147 total tackles. James remains an elite safety in his eighth season.”

To give you some idea of where the Chargers’ trio fit amongst their peers, they were one spot behind the Vikings trio (edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman, and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.) and one slot ahead of the Lions (edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Jack Campbell, and safety Brian Branch).

The top defensive triplet in the entire league was given to the Eagles and their trio of defensive tackle Jalen Carter, linebacker Zach Baun, and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. They beat out another super-talented trio from the Ravens that includes defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, linebacker Roquan Smith, and safety Kyle Hamilton.

As much as I’d have liked to see the Chargers respected enough to make it into the top 10, I think I agree with their placement on this list. Mack is 34 years old after all and Henley is coming off his first full season, albeit a very productive one. James is entering his eighth professional season and is coming off a Second-Team All-Pro nod as a slot defender.

If you’ve gone ahead and clicked the link above to Manzano’s article, what are your thoughts on where he ranked the Chargers’ trio? Does he have them right where they should be? Should they be ranked higher? Lower? Let us know all of your thoughts below!