Where Chargers’ Derwin James ranks among ESPN’s top safeties

It only took one season, which came back in 2018, for Derwin James to solidify as one of the premiere players at his position.

After surveying over 50 league executives, coaches, scouts, and players, where does James rank among the rest of the crop at his position ahead of the 2021 season?

James checked in as the ninth-best safety ahead of the year, which is five spots lower than what he was listed last year, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The reason why James checked in lower than anticipated is primarily due to the fact that he didn’t log a single snap last season because he was held back by a knee injury.

Had he been healthy, James would’ve likely been among the top-three safeties in this league.

“He’d be a lot higher if healthy, obviously,” an NFC defensive coach said. “The year that guy had [in 2018], holy s—. Off the chain. You’d say he’s better than just about anybody.”

Back in his rookie campaign, James recorded 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and 13 passes defended en route to being selected first team All-Pro.

After missing 27 games the past two seasons, the hope is that James is able to stay healthy because when he is on the field, the team’s chances of winning increase by a lot due to his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways.

The do-it-all defender has range to cover at deep safety, the speed to cover a slot receiver and the size and physicality to cover the best tight ends and move near the line of scrimmage and make an impact against the run or as a blitzer.