One of the greatest Defensive Backs in the history of the Chargers is without a doubt that Eric Weddle, a Second Round Pick from Utah.

In 2003, Kris Dielman found a home in San Diego, making the practice squad undrafted out of Indiana.  With six games left in the season, Dielman was called up in a reserve role, and while he was still a backup the following season, he was on the regular roster. 

Louie Kelcher was a huge player for his day as a 6’ 5” Defensive Tackle, but the star at SMU was able to use his mass to the best of his ability.

After playing his rookie season with the Houston Oilers, Doug Wilkerson was traded to the San Diego Chargers for Tight End, Willie Frazier.  Frazier had been a two-time AFL All-Star for the Chargers, but his best days were behind him.  Wilkerson went on to play 14 years for San Diego.

Charlie Joiner made his pro football debut in 1969 with the Houston Oilers, and he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in 1972, where he stayed until he was dealt to San Diego after the 1975 season.  Joiner was 28 at the time of the trade, and the Wide Receiver had accumulated 2,943 Yards.  That wasn't bad, but it would pale to what was to become.

The San Diego Chargers used their First Round Pick in 1979 to obtain Kellen Winslow, a Tight End from Missouri.  Injuries held him to seven Games that year, but over the next four years, he was easily the best Tight End in the National Football League.

After signing with the San Diego Chargers in 1962 (instead of the Detroit Lions of the NFL), John Hadl shared Quarterback duties with Tobin Rote, where he backed him up as the Chargers won the 1963 AFL Championship.

Ron Mix had a spectacular career at USC, and to nobody's surprise, he was a First Round Pick in the NFL.  The problem was that it was the Baltimore Colts on the East Coast who chose him, and the native of Los Angeles wanted to stay close to home.  In the AFL, the Boston Patriots took him in the first-ever draft of that league, but a trade to the Chargers allowed him to stay close to home.

Dan Fouts played his entire pro career with the San Diego Chargers, and he was his arm that the passing mantra of Don “Air” Coryell was built on.

The professional career of Earl Faison might have been relatively brief, but his impact was undeniable.

Gary "Big Hands" Johnson had one of the best nicknames in football, don't you think?   He was not just a colorful moniker as Johnson was also an excellent Defensive Tackle.

Leslie O'Neal had a phenomenal (or tragic) rookie season for the San Diego Chargers, who took the Oklahoma State Cowboy with their First Round Pick.  Not only was O'Neal an All-Rookie, but he was also named the Defensive Rookie of the Year.  However, it was equally tragic as he injured his knee, which ended not only that year, but the following season and half of the next one.

The San Diego Chargers struck gold with their Second Overall Pick in 1963 with Syracuse Offensive Guard, Walt Sweeney.

Fred Dean was one of the best defensive players in Louisiana Tech history, and his work landed him a Second Round Pick with the San Diego Chargers in 1975.

Junior Seau was a sensation in Southern California, but that happened before playing a down of pro football.  Seau was from Riverside, California, and he played his college ball at USC, so when he was drafted Fifth Overall by the San Diego Chargers, he was already beloved and right at home.

A former Defensive Player of the Year at Mizzou, Russ Washington parlayed that into the Fourth Overall Pick of the 1968 Draft.

Keenan Allen has played his first ten years in the National Football League for the San DIego/Los Angeles Chargers, where for most of it he was their prime receiving weapon.

2023 Pre-Season Rank #51, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #60, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #82, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #97.  Peak Period: 2017-21

The 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year could not add much to his Hall of Fame after 2021, as in 2022, he missed most of the season due to a groin injury.  When he returned, he hampered the Chargers in their playoff game against Jacksonville when he took his helmet off in frustration over a Jags Touchdown.  The penalty helped the Jags win the game, and Bosa was the bonehead of the week.  Last year, the senior Bosa also saw him deal with injuries, but if he is healthy in 2024, there is every reason to think he could reclaim all the spots he lost on this rank. 

2023 Pre-Season Rank #14, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #19, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #26, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #29.  Peak Period: 2015-19.

Mack has been a consistent pass rusher since he entered the NFl, and the 2016 AP Defensive Player of the Year has continued to control his edge role.   Last season, Mack added his eighth Pro Bowl and boasted a career-best 17 Sacks, which propelled him over 100 for his career.  

Mack may no longer be the highest profile player in his position, but he continues to rack up the numbers that should gain him a Hall of Fame spot.