Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has had an impressive rookie season. He’s also apparently pretty impressed with fellow rookie, Indianapolis Colts rookie linebacker Darius Leonard.
James said on Thursday that if he had a vote for Defensive Rookie of the Year and couldn’t vote for himself, Leonard would get the nod.
Derwin James tells me @nflnetwork that if he had a vote for DROY, and couldn't vote for himself, he'd vote for @dsleon45.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 3, 2019
Leonard was in on 163 total tackles during the season, 111 of which were solo. He also recorded seven sacks, forced four fumbles, recovered two, and made two interceptions.
James was in on 105 tackles, making 75 on his own. He intercepted three passes and tallied 3.5 sacks.
The other main candidate is Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb. He recorded 12 sacks on the season, forced two fumbles, and recorded one.
It would be hard to go wrong with any of the main candidates.