Derwin James, Jr.
Make it back-to-back years for James on his way to the Pro Bowl Games.
The Chargers captain has enjoyed yet another season as one of the league’s do-it-all safeties and earned his fifth overall selection to the event.
James has been a stalwart for the Bolts defense by playing the second-most snaps (830) on the unit and stuffing the stat sheet.
Last year’s Second-Team All-Pro selection ranks second on the team in total tackles (86), third in tackles for loss (six) as well as adding a pair of sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
And when you look at where he ranks among the NFL within his position group, he’s still among the best.
James ranks second among all safeties with at least 400 snaps with 13 total pressures and is also in the top 10 of quarterback rating allowed when targeted at 72.3.
Not to mention he’s doing it all while being the versatile safety he’s been his entire career with 335 snaps in the slot, 265 in the box, 115 on the defensive line and 96 at free safety, according to Pro Football Focus.
Simply put, he continues to be one of the team’s driving forces.
“When he breaks down the team, three words, ‘Be the best.’ That’s the standard,” Harbaugh said earlier in the season. “He is the one that is constantly holding himself and everybody to that standard.
“He’s pretty cool because I want to do it because that’s the standard he set,” Harbaugh added. “We’re all striving for that.”