The Los Angeles Chargers reinvented themselves through a physical brand under Jim Harbaugh. This philosophy benefitted Justin Herbert as the quarterback gained a newly revamped ground attack. But also created some hidden gems worth knowing about ahead of the 2025 season.
Harbaugh didn’t need to solely trust Herbert’s arm to win games. A vaunted ground attack birthed a new star along the offensive line in Joe Alt. The defense features three rising stars including one who inked a new deal.
Expectations will be higher following the Bolts’ playoff run. Herbert now has Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton in his backfield. Top rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey even has help via second rounder Tre Harris of Ole Miss.
But again, the Chargers feature some hidden gem talents. And this defensive trio are capable of becoming household names for the Bolts, even across the league.
Harbaugh didn’t need to solely trust Herbert’s arm to win games. A vaunted ground attack birthed a new star along the offensive line in Joe Alt. The defense features three rising stars including one who inked a new deal.
Expectations will be higher following the Bolts’ playoff run. Herbert now has Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton in his backfield. Top rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey even has help via second rounder Tre Harris of Ole Miss.
But again, the Chargers feature some hidden gem talents. And this defensive trio are capable of becoming household names for the Bolts, even across the league.
Chargers Edge/OLB Tuli Tuipulotu
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Even with perennial All-Pros Khalil Mack and Derwin James leading this defense, Tuli Tuipulotu is a name to watch even more. Tuipulotu first brought intrigue as a new pass rush mate for Joey Bosa in 2023. He’s risen as the top pass rusher.
The 22-year-old needed to adjust to a new defense in his second season last season. But he flourished under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The first-year defensive coordinator even got more creative placing James and Tuipulotu on the same side. Bringing a new array of heat that confused quarterbacks.
Tuipulotu piled 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in his sophomore NFL season. Both represent improvements from his rookie campaign. He also delivered four games of hitting two TFLs — an improvement from the one he had in 2023.
Harbaugh didn’t need to solely trust Herbert’s arm to win games. A vaunted ground attack birthed a new star along the offensive line in Joe Alt. The defense features three rising stars including one who inked a new deal.
Expectations will be higher following the Bolts’ playoff run. Herbert now has Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton in his backfield. Top rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey even has help via second rounder Tre Harris of Ole Miss.
But again, the Chargers feature some hidden gem talents. And this defensive trio are capable of becoming household names for the Bolts, even across the league.
Chargers Edge/OLB Tuli Tuipulotu
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Even with perennial All-Pros Khalil Mack and Derwin James leading this defense, Tuli Tuipulotu is a name to watch even more. Tuipulotu first brought intrigue as a new pass rush mate for Joey Bosa in 2023. He’s risen as the top pass rusher.
The 22-year-old needed to adjust to a new defense in his second season last season. But he flourished under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The first-year defensive coordinator even got more creative placing James and Tuipulotu on the same side. Bringing a new array of heat that confused quarterbacks.
Tuipulotu piled 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in his sophomore NFL season. Both represent improvements from his rookie campaign. He also delivered four games of hitting two TFLs — an improvement from the one he had in 2023.
Now he’s entering his second season under Minter. Plus longtime Pro Bowl edge rusher Bosa is gone, while Mack continues to age. You could be looking at a Pro Bowl nod with Minter unleashing Tuipulotu some more this fall.
