NFC Exec: Chargers’ Derwin James Compares to Tyrann Mathieu with LB Assemble
Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has made a profound affect on the self-discipline in only 21 popular-season video games over two seasons, even warranting comparisons to 1 other megastar player at the placement.
In a rating of the tip 10 safeties heading into the 2020 season, one NFC govt suggested ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that James performs the sport esteem Kansas City Chiefs megastar Tyrann Mathieu.
“I’d name him fashioned multidimensional,” the government acknowledged. “He is esteem the Honey Badger, easiest constructed more esteem a linebacker with serious velocity.”
Mathieu has advance into his dangle in contemporary years as coaches have allowed him to play more than one positions in an try to maximize his skill put.
Per ESPN’s Field Yates, Mathieu played snaps at five assorted positions for the Chiefs final season:
James fell into the Chargers’ lap with the No. 17 overall interact within the 2018 NFL draft. The Florida Roar alum used to be broadly considered 1 among the very best defensive avid gamers accessible, with Bleacher Document’s Matt Miller rating him as the 11th-easiest player overall in his class.
After earning a initiating job popping out of practising camp and the preseason, James fleet established himself as one among the league’s easiest safeties. He led the Chargers with 105 blended tackles, 13 depart breakups and tied for fifth with 3.5 sacks.
James used to be named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro first crew as a rookie. His 2019 season used to be restricted to five video games due to a stress shatter in his foot that required surgery in August. The 23-year-primitive returned for Los Angeles’ final five video games.
Assuming James is able to protect wholesome in 2020, the Chargers have every motive to be obsessive about what he’s going to have for their defense as they wander the Kansas City Chiefs within the AFC West.