Chargers Second-Year Linebacker Named Player to Watch Out For

Getty

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson appeared in 11 games in his rookie season with the Bolts, registering 29 tackles.

Colson missed part of his first season in the league due to having appendix surgery and a hamstring injury. Now healthy, the linebacker is ready for year two.

Chargers Wire’s Spencer Schultz named a player on every defensive position to watch for this season. Schultz named Colson in the linebacker group to watch for.

“All eyes will be on the sophomore Colson at training camp. He’s one of the most intriguing players to watch on this year’s roster. Colson didn’t play much in his first season, so all the pressure is on him to perform in Year 2. With a stellar training camp, he could earn the starting linebacker job next to Daiyan Henley. He will have to fend off veteran Denzel Perryman, who, although has shown signs of decline, still has plenty of experience in this league.”

The Chargers have a loaded linebacker group, but if Colson shines during training camp can expect a good amount of playing time.

Chargers Expecting Big Season for Colson in Year 2

GettyLos Angeles Chargers LB coach NaVorro Bowman.

The Chargers are expected to give Junior Colson more playing time in his sophomore season.

Linebacker coach NaVarro Bowman mentioned why he believes Colson will have a big second season.

“I just think Junior was the guy at Michigan and when you come from that, you have expectations for yourself,” Bowman said, via Chargers. “This is a different business, different type of animal for him and I thought he learned that very fast last year… I think his approach this year, whether it’s body or on the field, he’s heading in the right direction… He’s so eager to learn and make plays.”

Teammate Denzel Perryman said that he expects a breakout season from former Wolverine, saying that Colson is in the building every day and “locked in.”

Analyst High on Junior Colson

GettyLos Angeles Chargers

Alongside his coaches and teammates, Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker gave his early 2025-26 season breakout players and named the second-year linebacker for the Bolts.

Here’s what Locker had to say:

“Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye are free agents, as are several notable Chargers defenders. That should open the door for Colson, who will get another year to develop in Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter’s scheme. Colson struggled in coverage … but he impressed as a tackler, with only a 6.7 percent miss rate.”

“The Chargers helped Daiyan Henley improve into a solid off-ball linebacker this year, and the 22-year-old Colson might be next up.”

The Chargers brought back both Perryman and Dye to the team this offseason, but easing Colson into the linebacker room can be beneficial to his development.

Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.  He is also covers college basketball for MidMajorBasketball.com. More about Jason Garcia