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NFL breakout candidates for the 2019 season

By Eric Robinson

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken pass play during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken pass play during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers intercepts a pass thrown by Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers intercepts a pass thrown by Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers DB Derwin James

James very well could have been NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season.

On a defense that possesses the 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year in Joey Bosa and an underrated front seven, James ingrained himself as a versatile playmaker during his rookie 2018 season.

James registered 105 tackles, three interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and 13 pass deflections last season. But his placement on this list is an indicator of his ceiling as a player in the NFL.

James has the ability to be the best safety in the league. That’s how good he is. James is a Swiss Army knife as a defender and earned time at deep safety, outside linebacker, boundary cornerback, and slot cornerback.

Next. 2019 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams. dark

In addition, James is a chess piece that can also be efficient when blitzing. What James produced as a rookie was just the tip of the iceberg and this upcoming season can see a notable spike in all of those numbers mentioned above.

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