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2019 All-AFC West team: Chargers dominate talented division

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 13: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 13: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Safety 2: Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Graham Tiedtke

Derwin James has it all: size, speed, and athleticism.

Let me explain. As a safety, it is ideal to have good size. James is 6’2”, 215 lbs and ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Combine. That was good for ninth-best of all defensive backs in the draft. His speed allows him to be a great asset in the blitzing game.

He is able to make open-field tackles, which is beneficial if a running back gets to the third level of the defense. James had 3.5 sacks as a rookie, which was tied for third among all defensive backs in the NFL.

James is a great tackler. He led the Chargers with 105 tackles during the 2018 season.

James’ presence is a problem for opposing quarterbacks, as it is risky to throw his way. That means the opposing offense has one less area of the field to throw at.

James has the ability to be put anywhere on the field. He won’t just look to cover his man; he will do his best to be a ballhawk as well.

It is scary to think that James is going to be playing the Denver Broncos twice a year for who knows how long. I expect him to create problems for a lot of his opponents for many years to come.

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