Chargers News: Derwin James Takes Top Spot For PFF's Safety Rankings
The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the league. They have the star power at almost every position, and they will showcase that to the best of their abilities come this fall.
One of their top players ready to showcase his dominance and remain healthy is their star safety Derwin James Jr. James Jr. will be entering this fifth season in the league and, in a short amount of time, has established himself as one of the top safeties in the league. So much so that Pro Football Focus (PFF) put him at the top of the list of their 2023 safety rankings.
Derwin is at number one, and PFF thinks it isn't close.
1. DERWIN JAMES, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
James is the league’s most dynamic playmaker at safety. There isn’t a better combination of run defense (75.3 grade), coverage (74.5) and pass rush (90.9). His 77.6 overall grade ranked 13th among all qualified safeties in 2022. He racked up two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four sacks. On any given day, the soon-to-be 27-year-old has the ability to be the best safety in football. If he has another performance similar to his rookie year (87.8 overall grade), he’ll be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
In a short amount of time, Derwin has already made three Pro Bowls and is a 1-time All-Pro. On top of that, he has a career 372 total combo tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, 9.5 sacks, and seven interceptions in 50 games. James can play anywhere on the defensive side of the ball, and that's what makes him so unpredictable. One play, he could line up at safety, the next, he could play corner, and next thing you know, he could be rushing the passer-by at the end of the series.
Combine that with his brilliant IQ, which makes him number one on the list. LA and their 26-year-old star will do all they can to make the Bolts a force to be reckoned with on defense. They have all the tools to get it done, and it all starts and ends with their captain, Derwin James.
