Offense faces threat from all-around safety
Defensive back James might be the most versatile defender in a stacked rookie class
The National Football League is loaded with a bunch of top rookies, especially on defense, and the Steelers have been facing a number of them.
Since the start of the season, they have had to deal with Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, the fourth overall pick in the draft, who had two interceptions against them in the opener; Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson, who leads all rookies with four interceptions; and Denver Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, who is tied for 10th in the league with nine sacks after being the fifth overall pick in the draft.
Those three players will all be in the discussion for NFL defensive rookie of the year. So will inside linebacker Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts, who leads the NFL with 114 tackles; and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, the 19th overall pick in the draft, who has a team-high 92 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed.
But the best of them all might be at Heinz Field Sunday night, when the Steelers take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
Safety Derwin James, the 17th overall pick in the draft, does just about everything for the Chargers.
Although his primary responsibility is to line up in the box and act as a hybrid linebacker, he has the size (6 feet 3, 215 pounds) to match up with tight ends and the speed (4.4) to run with receivers and running backs.
“He could do it all,” said Steelers rookie linebacker Matthew Thomas, who played with James at Florida State. “He can play in the box, he can play safety, he can pass-rush. He’s like one of those do-it-all players.”
Indeed, James has started all 11 games for the Chargers and compiled an impressive stat line that showcases his versatility: A team-high 82 tackles, 3½ sacks, 2 interceptions and 10 passes defensed.
That’s because the Chargers, who have allowed just 14.1 points per game since Week 5, use their top rookie all over the field. While James is used primarily in the box, he also has lined up at deep safety, on the edge, in the slot, even at cornerback.
That way, he impacts the game in coverage, run defense and as a blitzer. James has 15 pressures on 46 passrushes according to Pro Football Focus, most of any safety in the NFL.
“He’s a great player for being a rookie,” tight end Jesse James said. “He’s really aggressive and does what they ask him.”
Because he’s mostly in the middle of the field, James most likely will impact the Steelers tight ends — James and Vance McDonald, who have combined for 52 catches, 823 yards and 5 touchdowns.
His size and athleticism will make for a good matchup with McDonald, who injured his hip in Denver but is expected to play against the Chargers. McDonald is tied for 11th among all tight ends with 36 catches, 444 yards and three touchdowns.
“You’re looking at kind of like a linebacker, safety, corner-type,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said. “[He’s] very athletic. He’s a load. He’s a load to have to block in the run game, but also for pass protection for our running back.
“Generally, you’ll see him in the middle of the field. He’ll get back there nice and deep but it’s hard to get him back there. He really wants to be up in the action.”