NFL Draft Grades 2018: Los Angeles Chargers select Derwin James at No. 17
The Los Angeles Chargers had a gift in Derwin James fall to them with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft as they land a true difference-maker.
The Los Angeles Chargers needed to make their defense better than they were last year, and their first-round selection in Derwin James is the improvement needed at safety and a steal at 17th overall.
James is the best safety in the 2018 NFL Draft, and to see him drop to the 17th overall is not only a surprise, but somewhat stunning because he is that good, and fans of the Chargers will notice that from the first time he straps on the lightning bolt helmet.
Florida State was well represented at safety by James, carrying on their rich tradition of having first-round talent in their defensive backfield. In three seasons with the Seminoles, the safety made 186 tackles, with 15 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. James also totaled three interceptions at FSU and had 11 passes defensed.
In his final season with Florida State, James made 84 tackles, with 5.5 for a loss, one sack, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed. James even scored a 41-yard touchdown against Delaware State.
James — 6-2, 215 pounds — joins a young defense that was third in points allowed last season (17.0), 15th in total yards allowed (328.4) and third in passing yards allowed (197.2). James also joins a defense that was 31st in rushing yards allowed (131.1), so though the defense does still need some work, they are headed in the right direction, especially with the addition of James.
The depth chart at strong safety for the Chargers includes Jahleel Addae, Rayshawn Jenkins and A.J. Hendy, and at free safety they have Adrian Phillips and Jaylen Watkins, so it can’t be said enough how great it was for the Chargers to have James fall to them at 17th overall.
Where James helps the Chargers at safety is with his speed at 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash, plus he had 21 reps in the bench press and a 40-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine. Those measurables are impressive enough, but what is even scarier about James is he going to get even better over time as he plays with intensity, has great height as a safety and by looking at his numbers, he can make tackles.
Next: NFL Draft 2018: Instant grades for Round 1
Think about this, the Chargers now have James at safety, but he’s being added to a defense that includes Joey Bosa (defensive end) and Melvin Ingram (linebacker), potentially giving Los Angeles a stud at all three levels of the defense.
Grade: A