KANSAS CITY (April 28, 2023) – Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley was selected in the third round by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2023 NFL Draft Friday.
Henley, taken as the No. 22nd pick in the round and No. 85 overall, is the second Cougar defensive player drafted in as many years after cornerback Jaylen Watson was taken by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round last season. Henley is the first Cougar linebacker drafted since Raonall Smith went to Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2002 draft.
Henley transferred to Washington State prior to the 2022 season after four seasons at Nevada and in his only season with the Cougars earned All-American second-team honors from College Football News and was WSU's first Butkus Award Finalist in program history.