(Photo: The Boston Globe)
I always say one of the positives about analyzing college football is being able to watch certain players and say — whether on a writing platform or a radio show — that you’ll eventually see them playing on Sundays in the NFL. In 2016, I remember hearing about a kid named Derwin James out of Florida State. I thought his draft stock was really going to plummet after he missed the entire 2016 season due to a torn meniscus in his knee. In 2018, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 18th overall pick in the first round, and since then, he has become one of the staples of the Chargers’ defense. It feels like yesterday I was breaking down his contract extension in 2022, and today, he agreed to another extension that has made him the highest-paid safety in the league for the second time. It’s a three-year deal worth $75.6 million.
Derwin is a top-three safety in the league today, and I truthfully feel there’s nothing this guy can’t do on the football field. The first thing you immediately notice about him is his energy. Every football team has that one player whose energy is contagious to everyone around him, and that’s something Derwin has always brought — not just in games, but in practice as well. The way he practices is the same way he plays, and it shows every Sunday. Over the years, I’ve seen him emerge as the emotional leader of this Chargers defense. Whenever you see everyone huddled up, Derwin is usually the one leading the group. When scouting a safety, the first thing you look for is whether they can stop the run. Derwin absolutely can. He flies downhill into the box, crashes running lanes, and gets after the ball carrier first and foremost. Next, you look at range and whether a player can be a ballhawk for your defense. Derwin checks that box as well. Whenever I watched the Chargers defense and saw a tackle being made, number 3 was always around the football. He brings an old-school feel to the position because he’s physical and constantly looking to play downhill. Even in pass coverage, Derwin can hold his own, and he’s one of the few safeties in the league capable of covering tight ends effectively. Every time I’ve watched the Chargers play the Chiefs over the years, I’ve seen him matched up against Travis Kelce. His quickness is another thing that stands out because he has the motor to move from sideline to sideline and will travel anywhere to make the tackle. I think what also stands out about Derwin is his confidence, which speaks volumes. It’s the energy, confidence, and love for football all tied into one with him.
Not only is he the leader of this Chargers defense, but I also feel he’s the heart and soul of the entire football team. As I said back in 2022, he was meant to play football, and he plays every game as if it were his last. That’s how you can tell how much the game means to him. I’m glad to see him earn another extension, and he’ll be a Charger for the foreseeable future.
