Derwin James was viewed as one of the biggest steals of the 2018 NFL Draft after sliding all the way to the No. 17 overall pick. The Los Angeles Chargers were more than happy to snag him with that pick and he has been making a huge difference for their defense already in his rookie season.
Throughout the entire draft process, James was talked about as the most versatile defensive back in the class. He was considered to be a better all-around player than names like Denzel Ward and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Despite that fact, he dropped way farther than mock drafts were projecting him.
That being said, as noted by Brandon Thorn of The Scout Academy, James has been “everywhere” early on this season when looking at the film.
Derwin James is everywhere on tape, its crazy. Lines up everywhere and finds a way to impact the play. Want to find him? Find the ball: pic.twitter.com/DxvGOOneFH
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) October 3, 2018
In his first five career games, James has racked up 31 total tackles to go along with three sacks, an interception, and six defended passes. He has already taken on a leadership role for the Chargers' defense as well.
At 22 years old, James is oozing with superstar potential. There are very few young players in the NFL with more talent than him. It has been a long time since the Chargers have truly had a strong defense from top to bottom, but James, along with Melvin Ingram and Joey Boss, could make that unit a force to be reckoned with.
Los Angeles has not gotten off to a bad start this season. They are currently 3-2 heading into their Week 6 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. James will have the chance to go up against fellow rookie Baker Mayfield, who has also praised James quite a bit this week leading up to the game.
ClutchPointspreviously noted that Mayfield called James a “do-it-all safety” among other things. The two players obviously have mutual respect for each other.
It will be interesting to see how James continues to develop throughout the remainder of the season. He has already proven the Chargers right for taking him at No. 17 and could end up becoming one of the league's best safeties within a couple years of entering the league.
Follow Us
Subscribe