2018 NFL Draft: How the AFC West changed during Round 1
By David Thomas
Los Angeles Chargers:
Pick 1.17, Derwin James, Safety FSU
People have compared this guy to now divisional rival Eric Berry, and those comparisons aren’t completely off base. James is a big athletic safety that can play all over the field. Which is a scary thought considering the Chargers didn’t have many holes in their secondary. The addition only gives them even greater flexibility with their rotation and coverage options.
The Chargers top 3 corners all graded in the top 15 of all corners last season by PFF. Tre Boston, their previous starting free safety is not expected to return this offseason. James will likely step right in, and should be an instant impact starter. Not that they needed much more as the Chargers ended last season ranked 4th in passer rating allowed.
Next: The best players available after Round 1
Chargers should easily challenge to be the best secondary in the league, barring any injuries of course. I give this addition a solid A+ rating.
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