NFL analyst named the most underappreciated player on the Los Angeles Chargers' roster and he couldn't be more right

Safety Elijah Molden was a breakout player for the Chargers in 2024.

Los Angeles acquired him at the conclusion of the preseason from the Tennessee Titans for just a 2026 seventh-round pick. In 15 regular season games played, Molden made 12 starts and recorded 75 total tackles, three interceptions, and seven passes defensed, which were all career highs. 

He did not allow a single receiving touchdown on the season, and opposing quarterbacks had a lowly 44.8 passer rating when targeting him. While listing his most underappreciated players on each roster, NFL analyst Tom Blair named Molden for the Chargers.

"After a fitfully productive, injury-marred start to his career in Tennessee, Molden was traded to the Chargers last year and flourished under coordinator Jesse Minter, starting 12 games and logging three picks, seven passes defensed and 75 tackles, all personal highs, before landing on injured reserve with a broken fibula. The former cornerback's switch to safety paid off: He ranked sixth in the NFL at the position in EPA when targeted (-12.3), per NGS, and fit in well with Derwin James and Alohi Gilman. There is something satisfying when a change of scenery really clicks for a player, with a new coaching approach or better surrounding circumstances unlocking an underlying talent or ability to contribute, and that certainly seems to be what happened with Molden, who signed a new three-year pact with the Bolts this offseason."

Unfortunately, Molden suffered a broken fibula in Week 17 that cost him the rest of the season. That is an injury that typically heals within three months, so he could be ready to for OTAs next week. If he can stay healthy, Molden could establish himself as one of the best safeties in the league in 2025. The Chargers gave him a three-year contract worth $18.75 million with $13.5 million guaranteed during the offseason.