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Derwin James

Derwin James Player Profile

Summary

  • Drafted: Round 1, 17th overall in 2018 by the Los Angeles Chargers. StatMuse

  • College: Florida State University. Sports Reference

  • Key Statistics / Career: As of 2024, James has recorded 497 tackles, 17.0 sacks, 9 interceptions, and 39 passes defended in his NFL career.

  • Accolades / Character: A 4× Pro Bowler (2018, 2021, 2022, 2024), First-team All-Pro (2018), and multiple-time All-Pro selection. He is widely regarded as a versatile, high‑IQ defender, capable of playing in the box, in coverage, or as a blitzer — with leadership and a competitive nature.

Strengths

  • Versatility / Range — James can line up in the box, at deep safety, or in the slot, making him a multi-role defender. SB Nation

  • Athleticism & Instincts — Excellent speed, quickness, and play-recognition. He diagnoses plays quickly and reacts with his full athletic toolkit.

  • Big-Play Ability — Has shown ability to blitz (sack production), drop into coverage (interceptions), and make tackles all over the field. StatMuse

  • Tackling & Physicality — Strong tackler, doesn’t shy away from contact, and comes down hard.

  • Leadership & Football IQ — Highly intelligent, often described as a “quarterback of the defense,” with the mental processing to make adjustments.

  • Durable When Fit — Has shown the ability to bounce back from injuries and contribute across multiple defensive roles.

Weaknesses

  • Injury History — Has had injuries in his career which have limited his availability at times.

  • Size for Certain Roles — While versatile, his size may be a disadvantage when matched against very large tight ends or powerful in-line players.

  • Risk on Big Hits / Penalties — Given his aggressive style, he can sometimes get caught targeting or making borderline hits.

  • Blitz Dependency — Some of his production comes from blitz packages; when used purely in coverage, his impact may dip.

  • Coverage Consistency — In coverage vs elite route‑runners, he may not always mirror the most polished skill receivers; his footwork in man can be exposed.

Fit & Outlook

Derwin James projects as a defensive cornerstone: a do-it-all safety / linebacker hybrid who thrives in modern NFL defenses that demand versatility. He fits exceptionally well in a scheme that uses multiple fronts, utilizes blitz packages, and values coverage from the safety position. Over the long term, he’s capable of being a defensive leader, making plays in crucial moments, and anchoring the secondary. If he remains healthy, his ceiling is very high: he can be one of the most disruptive and multi-dimensional defensive backs in the league, capable of influencing both the run game and the pass game.