Accounting for Chargers rookie safety James is an every-snap task for Denver

The Broncos were pleasantly surprised when linebacker/defensive end Bradley Chubb was available to select fifth overall in last spring’s draft.

A few hours later, the Chargers were similarly pleased when safety Derwin James was on the board at No. 17.

“We were looking to go in another direction but when he fell in our lap, we had to take him because he’s such a versatile athlete,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said.

James has 64 tackles, 3½ sacks, seven pass breakups and one interception while playing 99 percent of the defensive snaps. He will line up in a variety of positions, from on-the-ball outside linebacker to deep safety.

“He’s a really good space-and-speed guy,” Lynn said. “He’s doing it all.”

Lynn is not exaggerating James’ impact on the Chargers 7-2 record (six consecutive wins) entering Sunday’s game against the Broncos.

“He (has) done a super job,” Broncos offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said. “They’ve evolved a little bit over the last 3-4 weeks (by) getting him closer to the line of scrimmage.”

The Broncos must get used to finding ways to attack James.

Against the Raiders last week, he was on the tight end when assigned to man coverage; he blitzed, played downfield and was used in a variety of zones. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he plays with power.

“He’s talented and he shows up on film,” Broncos quarterback Case Keenum said. “He’s a guy that we’ve got our antennas up (for) and we’re going to know where he’s at all the time and have a plan for him.”

James made 91 tackles as a true freshman for Florida State in 2015, but was limited to two games as a sophomore because of a knee injury. He returned to make 84 tackles last year. The Chargers drafted him with the vision of Allen serving the same role as Kam Chancellor in Seattle when Los Angeles defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was with the Seahawks earlier this decade.

“He’s a playmaker,” Broncos coach Vance Joseph said of James. “He can sack the quarterback, he can make plays in the passing game and he can cover all of your tight ends, so he’s definitely a special player.”