The excitement over Derwin James has been palpable from the moment the Chargers selected him at 17th overall a month ago.
Count Joey Bosa among those excited to add the 6-2, 215-pound safety to the team.
Overall, number 99 was pleased the Bolts addressed the defensive side of the ball with their first four picks with James the crown jewel of the draft class.
"I'm excited," Bosa said on the first day of OTAs. "We needed help on the defense. Not that we had a bad defense last year, but all the help that we can get in the secondary (is beneficial). "And then I think interior D-Line is where we need it because we have players in Corey (Liuget) and (Brandon) Mebane, but it's about staying healthy and having that depth."
It shouldn't shock anyone that Bosa is a big fan of the addition of a potential game-changer in the back end. After all, strong coverage is a pass rusher's best friend as even a split-second extra the quarterback has to hold onto the ball can mean all the difference in getting a sack.
James has remained humble despite the constant effusive praise. He insists he hasn't accomplished anything yet in the NFL, and has to prove his worth.
Nonetheless, he admitted it means a lot to hear a player of Bosa's ilk praise his addition.
"That means everything coming from a player like that," James said. "He plays at a high level and is one of the best in this league. Man, I'm excited about that. I'm coming in and I'm ready to work."
