The Los Angeles Chargers have selected versatile safety Derwin James on the first day of the NFL draft.
Going by experts and mock drafts, it was presumed a player of James’ quality would not make it out of the top 10, let alone to the Chargers at 17.
The Florida State product gives defensive coordinator Gus Bradley the ability to be flexible within his defense, as James has experience in a variety of positions. He joins an already busy secondary, including the returning Jason Verrett.
In free agency, the team decided to not to offer Tre Boston a new deal. Boston remains unsigned, which kept the possibility open for him to return after the draft. The selection of James makes this an unlikely prospect.
Stay turned over the next few days for more analysis of the team’s first round pick, and further selections.