Is Derwin James a future Hall of Famer?
By: Jake Rajala
Derwin James is one of the most versatile, productive safeties in the league. At 28 years old, he is still in his prime. Up to this point, here is his resume:
Six seasons:
- Four Pro Bowls
- First-team All-Pro once
- Second-team All-Pro twice
Clearly, I don’t believe that Derwin James is Canton-bound at this point. However, he is still 28 years old. If he can play as long as Harrison Smith is playing, he has a real shot. Smith is 36.
Here are Smith’s accomplishments in his first six seasons:
- Three Pro Bowls
- One first-team All-Pro
- 37 career interceptions
- 48 TFLs
- 1,126 combined tackles
Derwin doesn’t need to be first-team All-Pro two more times. If he can accumulate a lot of sacks, tackles for loss, and interceptions, he can gain respect of his peers. After all, it’s hard to be successful in the league and play until you’re in your mid-30s.
Derwin would likely be a borderline Hall of Famer if he has a similar path as Smith. I’m going to showcase what it takes to be a first ballot, sure-fire Hall of Fame safety.
Ed Reed:
- Five-time first-team All-Pro
- Nine-time Pro Bowl selection
- DPOY winner
Here is Troy Polamalu’s career:
- Four-time first-team All-Pro
- Eight-time Pro Bowl selection
- DPOY winner
These safeties didn’t only have a lot of interceptions. They took over games by blanketing half the field!
Derwin James will be in a lot of high-scoring games in the AFC West. He should have plenty of opportunities to be a play-maker. He also sits behind a pass rush led by Khalil Mack (who had 16 sacks in 2023). Hopefully, Derwin can stay healthy and make a few more first-team All-Pros and many more Pro Bowl selections, and earn a gold jacket.
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