How Ryan Leaf Thinks Chargers Can Maximize Derwin James As A Player

Does he have a point?

In a new episode of the Bleav In Chargers podcast, former San Diego Chargers No. 2 draft pick Ryan Leaf spoke with hosts Lorenzo Neal, a legendary ex-Bolts fullback, and play-by-play commentator Matt "Money" Smith about the future of the new-look Chargers. LA of course has added a new head coach in big-ticket signing Jim Harbaugh, plus a fresh general manager in Joe Hortiz.

Leaf thinks that the now-Los Angeles Chargers can do more to get the most out of Los Angeles safety Derwin James Jr. this season, and weighed in on how the club can better utilize his skillset.

The 6'2", 215-pound FSU product, 27, was the No. 17 pick in 2018. He's had some significant individual success as a defender already. He's been named to three All-Pro teams (two First Teams) and three Pro Bowls. But Leaf thinks there's still room for growth. Across 16 healthy games last year, James recorded 125 total tackles (86 solo), two sacks, two fumble recoveries, seven pass deflections, four stuffs and one pick.

"You've got to want a guy who who is football savvy, who can get to the quarterback, can drop in coverage, can cover elite wide receivers, and Derwin James does all of that," Leaf said. "So I understand why [now-former Chargers head coach] Brandon Staley wanted to do what he did and I would expect to see something similar [with current coach Jim Harbaugh]."

"I would expect to see him near or at the line of scrimmage that time and and then drop it in coverage too," Leaf opined. "He's just so big and physical. It it's it's it's amazing to see that he can run at that size when he gets on the back end."