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Derwin James not among top players for NFL Defensive Rookie of Year?

By Kelvin Hunt

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 05: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts in the first half against the Mississippi Rebels during the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on September 5, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 05: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts in the first half against the Mississippi Rebels during the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on September 5, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Former FSU All-American safety Derwin James is thought to be one of the steals of the 2018 NFL Draft after falling to Los Angeles at No. 17.

Derwin James was talented enough to be a top 10 pick in last weeks NFL Draft but slid to No. 17 after teams like Tampa Bay, Oakland and Arizona decided to go in another direction although they needed help at safety.

However, the way it unfolded could be a blessing in disguise as James will be playing for Gus Bradley. If you forgot, Bradley was the architect of the Seattle Seahawks defenses that were among the best in the NFL from 2009-2012.

It’s where Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman became household names, so the likelihood of James being used in similar roles with the Chargers is high.

Will Derwin James be among the top players to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award?

Well, lots of websites are releasing their top favorites and James isn’t appearing in many top fives. For instance, here’s the Sporting News top five candidates to win the award:

  1. Roquan Smith-Linebacker
  2. Leighton Vander Esch-Linebacker
  3. Bradley Chubb-DE/Linebacker
  4. Rashaan Evans-Linebacker
  5. Tremaine Edmunds-Linebacker

Thoughts

Notice a theme? The linebacker position has probably produced more ROY winners than other positions.

In fact, a safety hasn’t won the award since Mark Carrier in 1990, but a cornerback has won the award two of the last three seasons.

However, according to the embedded video people in the NFL already believe the addition of Derwin James can help make the Los Angeles Chargers defense elite in 2018.

They were third in the NFL against the pass, but were next to last against the run. That’s where a player like Derwin James can make an impact because he can be effective in both phases as was Kam Chancellor in Bradley’s defenses.

Next: Can Derwin James Help 'Westside Nole' Movement?

I’m not saying he’s going to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but he’s in a good spot where he could contend for it.

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