The Chargers’ defense could be the bright spot for the team as the 2026 season approaches. All eyes and ears are on the offense; however, the defense could be the best unit, as it was in 2025.
O’Leary’s defense appears to be taking shape, but undrafted rookie edge rusher Nadame Tucker could throw a wrench into those plans. His strong training camp and preseason could put him in position to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
It’ll take another stellar two performances and multiple practices for Tucker to make the roster; however, he’s certainly put himself in the conversation.
Tucker is turning heads, and some of it has to do with O’Leary and the connection they established at Western Michigan. The undrafted linebacker credits his early success to the Chargers’ first-year defensive coordinator.
“Just starting off by believing in me,” Tucker said of O’Leary’s influence on him during their one season together at Western Michigan. “You know, having a guy, just looking at me and saying, ‘You are that guy. Play at that level.’ He could kind of see it and he gave me a blueprint. I knew the kind of player I wanted to be, and he just kind of locked me in that way.”
O’Leary was the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan in 2025, when Tucker played his final college season.
Tucker led his position group with two pressures in the preseason win over the Texans. Take in his stellar motor and play, plus the relationship he has with O’Leary, and that leaves Tucker with a fighting chance to make the final roster.
The 26-year-old is only getting more comfortable.
“I feel like I’m home,” he said. “I just know the type of guys I’m around, the stuff I can gain from, you know what I’m saying? So, I’m going to come with that approach like I’m at home here. I’m not star struck in any way. I want to be just like those guys in a way. I just try to pay attention to the details.”
If Tucker continues to make his mark, he could remain under O’Leary’s coaching.