Derwin James Jr. isn’t just the highest-ranked Charger on Pro Football Network’s top 100 list, he’s coming off a 2025 season where he absolutely dominated. Seriously, Jacob Infante over at PFN broke it down, and it’s wild to see how good this guy actually is.
The Numbers Don’t Lie About His Impact
Infante pointed out that James landed as the top-ranked safety on their Top 100 list for a reason. The dude led the whole dang NFL with an 88.5 PFN SAF Impact Score last season. Think about that, top of the league! His 87.0 coverage score? That was the best among ALL safeties in 2025. And his 86.0 score in run support? That was third-best at the position. These aren’t just good numbers, these are bonkers, league-leading, game-changing stats. It’s why he’s already racked up five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro nods. He’s been an All-Pro in three of the last four seasons, proving this isn’t a fluke; it’s just what he does on the field.
Age Is Just A Number, Y’all
Here’s the kicker: James turns 30 next month. Usually, that’s when you start seeing guys slow down, right? Not Derwin James Jr. He’s arguably coming off the best season of his entire career, his ninth in the league after being the No. 17 pick way back in the 2018 NFL Draft. And remember those injury concerns early on in his career with the Chargers? He’s crushed those, too, missing just eight games over the last five years. He even tied his single-season high with three interceptions in 2025! The dude plays with this rare knack and instinct that’s just crucial for any defense. He doesn’t just make himself better, he makes everyone around him better, too. That kind of leadership and impact is so hard to find in the NFL today.
So, yeah, Derwin James Jr. is going into his ninth season in 2026, and if last year was any indication, he’s not just holding steady, he’s getting better. He’s that guy who can change a game on any snap. The question is, can he keep this momentum going, and can the Chargers ride that wave?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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