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Chargers' defensive line lands in bottom half of latest PFF rankings
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- Chargers' defensive line lands in bottom half of latest PFF rankings
The Chargers ' defensive line is expected to enter the 2026 season as a strong unit.
Led by edge rushers Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu , those two, plus rookie Akheem Mesidor , are set to elevate that unit. However, the concern stems from the interior line, which raises a major question mark and is a significant issue.
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With that being the case, Pro Football Focus ranked the Chargers in the bottom half of their latest defensive rankings heading into the season.
Gordon McGuinness of PFF ranked Los Angeles No. 23.
"The Chargers are in solid shape on the edge, where Khalil Mack earned an 80.7 PFF run-defense grade and Tuli Tuipulotu posted a 74.4 PFF pass-rush grade last season.
"The interior is more concerning. Teair Tart is the only projected starter there who earned a PFF grade above 65.0 last year, leaving the middle of the defensive line as the clear weakness of this group."
The Chargers' rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders , are ranked right behind them at No. 24.
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Jamaree Caldwell , Dalvin Tomlinson and Teair Tart currently make up the Chargers' starting interior defensive line. Tart stands out as the group's top run-stopper, but his role could expand significantly in 2026.
Following his contract extension, Tart is expected to take on more responsibilities in a multi-gap role, which could unlock additional opportunities as an interior pass rusher.
Tomlinson will look to have a bounce-back season as he enters his first with the Chargers. As for Caldwell, he'll look to build on a promising rookie season and solidify himself as a true threat week to week.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' defensive line lands in bottom half of latest PFF rankings
