RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThis decade has been a rollercoaster for the Chargers . They haven't endured much success; however, they do possess one of the best players at the safety position in Derwin James Jr.
In his eight NFL seasons, James has established himself as one of the league's premier safeties, and now he's being recognized as one of the best players at his position of the past half-decade.
NFL reporter Ben Arthur made his 2020s NFL Half-Decade Team and put James at the Nickelback spot.
"An electrifying slot-safety hybrid, James has received an All-Pro nod as slot cornerback twice in the three years the position has been on the AP ballot, leading all players," Arthur wrote.
The secondary in this team alone is a juggernaut with Broncos ' Pat Surtain II and Steelers' Jalen Ramsey at the cornerback position and Ravens ' Kyle Hamilton and Cardinals ' Budda Baker at the safety position.
James has been a stalwart for the Chargers throughout his career. The 29-year-old has earned five Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor while recording 12 interceptions, 46 passes defended, 19 sacks, 684 total tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 36 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles.
The former Florida State Seminole is one of the more versatile safeties the league has ever seen. He functions as a hybrid defender who can play all over the field, whether that is as a safety, slot cornerback, linebacker or even pass rusher.
James can do it all on the football field and is the unquestioned leader of the Chargers' defense since arriving in the league.
This upcoming season, the Florida native is expected to remain the anchor of coordinator Chris O'Leary's defense.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' lone NFL Half-Decade Team selection is no surprise
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