The top 25 NFL players under the age of 25

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 20: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs grimaces after being hit during the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Free safety Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his interception in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

13. SS Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

He was in the discussion for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year throughout 2018, with the honor eventually going to Indianapolis Colts’ linebacker Darius Leonard (more on him later). It goes without saying that Los Angeles Chargers’ safety Derwin James made his presence felt on a consistent basis for Anthony Lynn’s playoff-bound Bolts.

The 22-year-old performer led the Chargers with 105 tackles. The former Florida State Seminoles’ standout also finished with 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and a team-high 13 passes defensed. James would add a combined 14 tackles in the playoff split with the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots. The 17th overall pick just over a year ago started all 16 games for Lynn’s squad and had a huge impact on defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s unit.

But what stands out the most is James’ play this past season was his efficiency in all aspects of the game. Via Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the young defender earned a solid 87.8 grade for his play in ’18 – ninth in the NFL at the safety spot (the Bears’ Eddie Jackson ranks first at 93.2). James’ numbers in pass coverage (87.7) and vs. the run (82.5) show amazing balance. That’s one reason the Chargers improved from next-to-last in the league in rushing defense in 2017 to ninth this past season. It was quite the debut campaign for the 6-foot-2, 215-pound defender.

Next: No. 12

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