Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers heaped praise on rookie safety Derwin James after his team's narrow 29-27 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. James was selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Florida State. The Chargers counted on him from day one, and he hasn't let them down, via the team's website.

“He’s been great,” Rivers said. “He has the demeanor, and he’s made the plays obviously, but he has the demeanor of one of those double-digit year safeties. That’s what he is. He will ascend in a hurry to that kind of role. That’s just his demeanor (with) the way he plays, the passion he has and the aggression he plays with. He was a heck of a pick. I’m glad he’s on our side.”

So far this season, Derwin James has racked up 26 tackles, three sacks, and an interception. He had a big hit on 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard in Week 4, which resulted in an interception that sealed the deal for his team down the stretch. Chargers linebacker Nick Dzubar is one of many teammates that take note of James' freakish athleticism.

“Derwin is an unbelievable athlete,” said Dzubnar. “It’s fun to watch as a teammate, and it’s awesome to have him on your side. He can do a lot of things on the field, and he does a lot of it really well. I’m excited just to see him keep getting better and better…. I think it’s going to be scary (to watch him grow). I’m excited to see it, and I’m glad he’s on our side.”

The Chargers are 2-2 on the season. Phillip Rivers, Nick Dzubnar, and the rest of the team will count James against the Oakland Raiders next week. However, the Raiders are coming off a big win of their own. The showdown between two California-based teams will have the West Coast buzzing with excitement.