There’s no way the Chargers thought they had realistic shot at landing James before Thursday night. Thanks to some odd choices by other teams, Los Angeles adds to its already impressive core of young defensive players. James is an explosive athlete who can be an enforcer in the box, cover slot receivers or play deep safety.
The Chargers needed a more physical presence to help improve a run defense that allowed a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry. They appear to have done that, getting a steal in James at No. 17. The former FSU safety replaces Tre Boston, who did not return to the Chargers in free agency.
“I’m ready to come and contribute right away,” said James, projected by many draft analysts as a top-10 pick. “I’ve got something to prove, because 16 teams passed me.”
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, James has been compared to the Seattle Seahawks‘ thumper because of his physicality and speed. James also offers versatility, with an ability to play both safety positions, nickel cornerback and outside linebacker. James recorded 84 combined tackles — including 5.5 for loss — a sack, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions in his final season at Florida State, earning second-team All-America honors. James said he’s fully healed from a meniscus tear he suffered in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2016 season that cut short his sophomore year.
Athleticism a strong suit: James is a rangy athlete who put on a show at the combine. James proved an easy mover during the on-field drills, and his results from the physical testing were even more impressive. James pushed 21 bench-press reps at 225 pounds, posted a 40-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump. He also ran a quick, 4.48-second 40-yard time.
What’s next: The Chargers currently have two picks in Day 2, the No. 48 pick in the second round and No. 84 in the third round. Even though the Chargers selected James in the first round, they could still use some more help on the defensive side of the ball, so look for the Chargers to draft a linebacker on Day 2.
The botton line: Derwin James was one of the best picks the Chargers have made in a long time. Literally a slam dunk!
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 (@VeteranScout) October 3, 2018
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