Summary

• Drafted: Round 3, 100th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Pro Football Reference

• College: University of Washington. NFL Clubs

• Key Statistics / Career: As of 2024, Molden has accumulated 227 combined tackles, 5 interceptions, and 15 passes defended in his NFL career. NFL.com

• Accolades / Character: At Washington, he was a two‑time First-Team All-Pac-12. NFL Clubs He is known for his competitiveness, high football IQ, and versatility — having played both cornerback and safety. In February 2025, he signed a three-year extension with the Chargers, signaling trust in his long-term role. FOX Sports

Strengths

• Versatility in the Secondary — Molden can play both in the slot and deep; he’s also dropped into safety roles, giving defensive coordinators flexibility. FOX Sports

• Reliable Tackler / Run Support — He racks up a good number of tackles; his physicality helps in run defense and tackling in space. NBC Sports

• Instinctive Playmaker — Has shown good ball skills with 5 career interceptions and plays with strong anticipation. StatsCrew

• High Football IQ — Reads routes well, recognizes coverage patterns, and makes smart adjustments.

• Durable Mindset / Competitiveness — Known for his strong character, and his extension suggests a reputation as dependable and coachable. FOX Sports

• Good Size / Length for Slot — At ~5'10", 192 lb, he has a compact but solid build suited for nickel or boundary matchups. Pro Football Reference

Weaknesses

• Lack of Elite Size — At 5'10", he doesn’t have the height to consistently out‑match taller outside receivers or big tight ends. Pro Football Reference

• Limited Big-Time Turnover Production — While he has made plays, his interception totals are modest for a corner with his playing time. NFL.com

• Injury Risk — Suffered a broken fibula late in the 2024 season. Bolts From The Blue

• No Sack Production — Rarely used as a blitzer; recorded 0 sacks through multiple seasons (per PFR). Pro Football Reference

• Physicality in Press / High-Point Scenarios — May struggle in contested jump-ball situations due to frame and length.

Fit & Outlook

Elijah Molden projects as a key rotational defensive back in modern NFL defenses, particularly in sub‑packages and nickel alignments. His versatility allows him to slide between cornerback and safety, making him valuable in multiple front looks. For the Chargers, he fits as a high-IQ playmaker who can defend the slot, help in run support, and make plays on the ball. Over the long term, assuming he stays healthy, Molden has the upside to be a core starter — not necessarily as a true shutdown corner, but as a dependable, smart, play-making DB who can handle complex assignments and stay on the field.