Safety Derwin James Jr. is one of the most entertaining players on the Los Angeles Chargers as he’s versatile, surprising teams as they never quite know how he’ll be used. With his role becoming more focused, last season he had a jump in production with 5.5 sacks according to ESPN, a career high for the regular season, while Pro Football Focus (PFF) between the regular and postseason gave him a career high run defense grade (87.9%). His defense grade (80.8%) was also way above 2023’s (60.1%). His foundation for 2024 appears to be paving the way for 2025, as he’s already getting noticed in the offseason.
Derwin James’ Minicamp Performance
Not to take anything away from rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who was also the talk of minicamp, as there were superlatives such as “explosive” from the likes of Daniel Popper of The Athletic to describe his play, but James was the standout. Rookies can impress and show promise, but for veterans to come in and play with consistency, showing flashes of their younger selves, now that’s special, which is why James rose to the top.
Editorial director Eric Smith of the official Chargers site was singing James’ praises on the first day, saying that he was in “midseason form” while his article title said that James “stole the show on Day 1.” He remarked on that first day how James knocked a pass off course, leading to an interception by linebacker Denzel Perryman. James also ran a fumble in for a touchdown, and had an additional pass breakup. And during day 2, though Gadsden was more of the focus, James had another pass breakup.
Popper on day 3 said James “had the play of the day for either side of the ball,” as he got an interception on a pass meant for wide receiver Willie Snead from quarterback Trey Lance, where James “tipped the ball in the air and made an acrobatic, juggling catch on his shoulder for the interception.” These early observations show James as healthy, fierce, and coming out of the gate strong, all of which are promising signs for the season ahead.
What the Los Angeles Chargers Minicamp Says for Derwin James This Season
Smith said of James that, “A year after he was a Swiss Army knife on defense, he appears poised for another big season in Jesse Minter’s scheme.” And also noted that James was one of the nine “elite players” on the Chargers when it comes to training, as established by head coach Jim Harbaugh. James in his minicamp press conference talked about being motivated, working hard, and is eager to get out there for the first game in Brazil.
I predicted edge Tuli Tuipulotuto to have the most quarterback sacks this year but I anticipate James, as Popper relayed he’s been playing more nickel, to come in a close second or third behind edge Khalil Mack or linebacker Daiyan Henley. And I expect even better run defense, more interceptions, and pass breakups from James. Like Mack, James seems to be aging backward and if he can stay healthy, the defense could be as dominant as they were last year.
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