NFC Exec: Chargers' Derwin James Compares to Tyrann Mathieu with LB Build

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has made a profound impact on the field in just 21 regular-season games over two seasons, even warranting comparisons to another star player at the position. 

In a ranking of the top 10 safeties heading into the 2020 season, one NFC executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that James plays the game like Kansas City Chiefs star Tyrann Mathieu. 

"I'd call him modern multidimensional," the executive said. "He's like the Honey Badger, only built more like a linebacker with serious speed."

Mathieu has come into his own in recent years as coaches have allowed him to play multiple positions in an attempt to maximize his skill set. 

Per ESPN's Field Yates, Mathieu played snaps at five different positions for the Chiefs last season:   

James fell into the Chargers' lap with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. The Florida State alum was widely regarded as one of the best defensive players available, with Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranking him as the 11th-best player overall in his class. 

After earning a starting job coming out of training camp and the preseason, James quickly established himself as one of the league's best safeties. He led the Chargers with 105 combined tackles, 13 pass breakups and tied for fifth with 3.5 sacks. 

James was named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro first team as a rookie. His 2019 season was limited to five games because of a stress fracture in his foot that required surgery in August. The 23-year-old returned for Los Angeles' final five games.

Assuming James is able to stay healthy in 2020, the Chargers have every reason to be excited about what he will do for their defense as they chase the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.