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Picking 5 of the NFL’s best players under 26 years old

By Sayre Bedinger

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/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) /

5. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

Last but certainly not least, the fifth player I am adding to this hypothetical dream foundation is Chargers safety Derwin James.

The missile of a man played out of his mind as a rookie for the Chargers, and for whatever reason he didn’t get a ton of Defensive MVP love, or at least runner-up love behind Aaron Donald this past season.

He racked up 105 total tackles, 75 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, 13 pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions.

To sum up those stats — there was nothing and no one that got by Derwin James last year.

This guy is an absolute game wrecker who can play attacking the line of scrimmage, match up with guys in space, play off-ball linebacker, deep safety, or whatever you need him to do.

It’s a miracle the Chargers were able to land him at pick no. 17 last year.

Dream Team Recap

QB: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
RB: Saquon Barkley, Giants
EDGE: Bradley Chubb, Broncos
EDGE: Myles Garrett, Browns
SAF: Derwin James, Chargers

Next. 2019 NFL Draft: Grades for all 32 teams. dark

This group of players sets the foundation for a defense and gives two cornerstone pieces who touch the ball every play on offense. I think surrounding this group of guys with any combination of young or experienced players would give an NFL team a shot at a Super Bowl right now.

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