The Chargers’ Derwin James is coming off his second consecutive Second-Team All-Pro selection after another productive season in which he led the defense to another top-five ranking.
Those around the league are taking notice, and it’s showing in ESPN’s latest set of safety rankings that debuted on Thursday. Per the anonymous scouts, execs, and coaches surveyed, James was ranked the No. 2 safety in the NFL behind only the Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton. James’ highest ranking received was number one overall
while no one who voted ranked him lower than fifth. With these sorts of things being so subjective, it’s only a larger honor that the consensus believed he was no lower than top five.
“James was a clear No. 2 in the voting, making an impressive four-spot jump from the previous year,” says analyst Jeremy Fowler. “That the Chargers gave James a three-year, $75.6 million extension weeks before voting started could have helped his cause. Money equals respect, validating the body of work.”
“But the deal was a culmination of James’ strong two years under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Since 2024, James has a combined 7.5 sacks, four interceptions, 16 tackles for loss and 14 pass deflections.”
‘‘I thought Derwin had his best, most complete year,” said an NFL secondary coach. “Blitzing, coverage, tackling, just overall was really good. … He can really do it all. And he’s been healthy for a long stretch, which is good to see.‘’
Per Fowler, James is the only player in the NFL over the last five seasons to log at least 1,000 snaps at safety, slot cornerback, and outside linebacker. Over the span, he’s missed eight games, two of which were Week 18 matchups in 2024 and 2025 when the Chargers locked up their playoff spot.
This is well-deserved by James and I would expect this ranking to change very little at this time next offseason, as well.
