Camp Outlook
The Chargers defensive line underwent a bit of a makeover this offseason.
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter summed up the recent approach along the defensive trenches.
"We traded maybe one or two guys for two to three guys when you look at it," Minter said.
Tart is back from a season ago and is now among the leaders of the group.
Tart, signed as a free agent in August, set career-highs in Pro Football Focus' defense (76.9) and run defense grades (70.9) as well as his second-best pass rush grade (75.6), all of which ranked in the top 16 among all defensive tackles with at least 300 snaps.
And while the Bolts lost a few pieces from a year ago, they replenished the room with the additions of Hand and Jones, both of whom signed in free agency.
Ogbonnia, Matlock and Eboigbe were all on the roster a year ago and could factor into the rotation in 2025.
Keep an eye on Eboigbe, a 2024 fourth-round pick who played sparingly as a rookie but bulked up this offseason.
Caldwell, meanwhile, was the Bolts recent third-round pick. Hinton spent most of last season on the practice squad while Edwards and Fuga are undrafted free agents.
A year ago, the Bolts defensive line room was a bit unproven before flourishing as a unit.
Minter expects the same progression in 2025.
"It was a little bit going into the year by committee and then that stuff sort of takes care of itself based on a guy getting in a rhythm, getting in a groove, playing really well," Minter said.