RADIO
Derwin James 2020 Outlook: Fantasy’s Most Promising Defensive Back
5 years agoLos Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James had a banner rookie season two years ago, quickly acclimating to the NFL despite playing a position with a steep learning curve. As a rookie, James finished amongst the top-eight defensive backs in both solo tackles and total tackles. Tackles are an excellent source and indicator of week-to-week fantasy consistency for defensive backs. The Florida State product also finished his debut season tied for third amongst DBs in sacks, second amongst safeties in passes defended, and he notched three interceptions for good measure. James’ stats took a step back in 2019, but that was due almost entirely to the broken foot he suffered in the pre-season, which sidelined him until the Chargers were already out of contention with only five games left in the season. Now that he is healthy, the 2020 version of this talented 23-years-old should reflect the high floor/ceiling combo we saw in his rookie year. James should be considered the highest ceiling defensive back in all of fantasy. Draft him as a top-three fantasy defensive back, if not as the top defensive back in your draft. Given how shallow the DB position is in fantasy, James is worthy of being selected amongst the top-ten fantasy defenders in IDP drafts.
