Heading into his seventh season, Derwin James is still playing at a high level.
In the latest poll of executives, coaches, and scouts for the 2025 season, James checked in as the sixth-best safety in the NFL.
Last season, James came in at No. 7 ahead of the 2024 season. His highest ranking has been No. 3 and his lowest ranking has been No. 9.
“One of the baddest safeties in the game burst onto the scene with an All-Pro rookie performance in 2018 before battling injuries for several years. He has been healthy for the past four seasons, returning to his disruptive self in 2024 after a down year in 2023,” Jeremy Fowler wrote.
James is coming off a sensational season that resulted in All-Pro honors. He finished the regular season with 93 total tackles to go with 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, seven passes defensed, an interception, a fumble recovery, and six quarterback hits.
In Jesse Minter’s defense, James predominantly played closer to the line of scrimmage, with 361 snaps coming at slot cornerback, 281 snaps in the box, and 97 snaps along the defensive line. There, he has proven to be at his best. His presence is a big reason why the Chargers‘ defense finished the regular season with the fewest points allowed.
With Elijah Molden, Alohi Gilman and Tony Jefferson back in the fold, it will allow for James to keep the same role this upcoming season.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Derwin James lands in top 10: How he stacks up against best safeties