Los Angeles Chargers rookie safety Derwin James is a candidate and perhaps the front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year. James is giving credit where credit is due though and provided a bold take on this season's award.

Both rookies have been incredible and clearly provide a lot of promise for years to come. The award is up for grabs but will more than likely wind up in the hands of one of these two playmakers.

James was a bright spot for the Chargers defense all season long and was perhaps their most consistent player on that side of the ball all season. James provided constant pressure on passing plays and was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Darius Leonard, on the other hand, led the league in tackles in 2018 as a rookie, that's incredibly impressive. Leonard had 163 total tackles, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Blake Martinez of the Green Bay Packers was second amongst the league leaders in tackles with 144, so clearly, the margin was quite drastic between Leonard and the rest of the league. Leonard played in 15 games and still managed to lead the league in tackles. Leonard came out with a bang earlier in the season as he accounted for 19 total tackles back in Week 2 against the Washington Redskins.

Whoever comes away with the award this season will likely have won by a small margin considering how fantastic both players have been for their respective teams this season. James possesses a selfless trait that many players do not have at his age so his mentality and skill will surely take him a long way in the NFL.