RADIO
Derwin James 2024 Outlook: Still a Stud
6 months agoThere was a solid argument for Derwin James to be the top defender off fantasy boards in 2023. This was largely due to how inconsistent and thin the DB position was. James' unique combination of speed, size, tackling ability, and coverage instincts made him the rare DB that would reliably produce in every fantasy category you could ask for. He was the only defensive back we knew would do that, if healthy, in 2023. James largely returned value on those high expectations, too. He played 16 games for just the second time in his career while logging career highs in tackles and solo tackles. Unfortunately, the big play production dipped for James while players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Kyle Hamilton ascended. As a result, James fell to DB8 in Standard Scoring. Fortunately, that finish feels like James' floor in 2024, given his physical ability and the likelihood his sack and turnover totals rise. However, his injury history is still enough to drop him behind younger, healthier stars like Winfield and Hamilton.
