Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. has been one of the best safeties since he entered the league back in 2018.
In the six seasons he has played, James is a four-time All-Pro and four-time Pro-Bowler.
ESPN released its annual survey of the top 10 players at each position according to NFL executives, scouts and coaches. In this year’s edition, Derwin James was ranked as the sixth-best safety in the league.
“He’s so disruptive around the ball and physical that you have to know where he is at all times,” an NFC scout said, via ESPN. “He showed what he can do when healthy and put in positions to affect the ball.”
James improved his ranking entering the 2025-26 season, as he was ranked as the seventh-best safety in last year’s release.
Analysts also believe James is a top player at his respective position. According to Pro Football Focus’ Zoltan Buday, he ranks James as the seventh-best safety entering the 2025-26 season.
“The Florida State product was back at his best last season after a down year in 2023. His 80.8 PFF overall grade in 2024 was his highest mark since 2019. His 75.2 PFF pass-rushing grade and 87.9 PFF run-defense grade both ranked fifth among safeties in 2024,” Buday wrote for PFF.
Continuing Where He Left Off
GettyLA Chargers safety Derwin James Jr.
Derwin James spoke to reporters during locker cleanups after the conclusion of the season, having high hopes for the 2025-26 season.
“I feel like we’re headed in the right direction. Proud of the effort the coaches put this year. The players, every man in this locker room wanted it every,” James said. “We know the teams not gonna be the same, but we know we got something great building.”
Entering year seven with the Bolts, James is picking up where he left off. According to the Chargers’ editorial director, Eric Smith, the safety impressed during minicamp.
“The Bolts do-it-all safety was everywhere on the first day of minicamp as he made one highlight reel play after another,” Smith wrote.
Smith writes the plays that made the safety standout during practice, including pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Anonymous Source Believes Different
GettyLA Chargers’ Derwin James Jr.
In the ESPN release, an anonymous source believes Derwin James is an “average” player.
“People talked about him like he was Ed Reed early in his career, and I’d say while he’s always been a good player, I’ve never really seen him as an elite guy year to year,” a veteran AFC personnel staffer said. “Average athletic tools, choosy tackler.”
James received an 80.5 grade from PFF, ranking him 10th out of 171 qualifying safeties.
The safety recorded 73 solo tackles last season, ranking him 16th in the category among safeties, leaving some space for improvement.
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