Derwin James – 2021 Dynasty IDP #5 Safety
#33 Derwin James, LAC
bio:
Dynasty IDP Derwin James is IDPE’s #5 dynasty Safety in 2021. Los Angeles Strong Safety (SS) drafted in the 1st round (#17 overall) out of Florida State in the 2018 draft. Named a first team All-Pro in his rookie season.
attributes:
A Swiss-army knife, 4th year safety. He has above average athleticism and size for his position. James has an elite College Prospect Score (CPS) and grades out as at least average in every category of the model. He was a high end prospect.
| Age* | Height | Weight | 40 | SPARQ | CPS |
| 25.1 | 6’2″ | 215 | 4.47 | 131 | 10.3 |
player grades:
James was elite in coverage and pass rush at the safety position in his rookie year per PFF.com. He was also solid in the run game. He had a another strong season in his 2nd year despite limited game action, before missing the entire 2020 season due to injury.
| Year | Overall | Run Defense | Pass Rush | Coverage |
| 2018 | 88.3 | 78.7 | 86.0 | 89.7 |
| 2019 | 82.3 | 70.3 | 72.9 | 83.9 |
| 2020 | – | – | – | – |
injury:
He missed 11 games in 2019 due to a foot fracture and all 16 games in 2020 due to a meniscus tear.
tackles:
He eclipsed 100 combined tackles in his rookie season and was on track to break 100 tackles again in his 2nd year if not for injury. Therefore, James has a safe floor in fantasy.
| Year | SOLO | AST | COMBINED | A4I* |
| 2018 | 75 | 30 | 105 | 105 |
| 2019 | 23 | 11 | 34 | 109 |
| 2020 | – | – | – | – |
big plays:
James makes impact plays all over the field. As a result, he has high upside in fantasy.
| Year | SACK | STF | INT | PD | FF | FR |
| 2018 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0.0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
contract:
James is still in his rookie contract. He is in the final year of his rookie contract, but Los Angeles has a 5th year option available. There’s a pretty good chance LA will pick up the option if he can avoid another major injury in 2021.
summary:
Dynasty IDP Derwin James is a truly special player. He has been hampered by major injuries early in his career. If he can stay healthy in 2021, expect him to compete for the #1 Safety in 2021 and in dynasty.
