Is Chargers' Derwin James Jr. on track to become a premier defensive force?

Injuries stifled the potential of Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. early in his career, but can he overcome his early misfortune and become one of the best players in the NFL? 

"The cool thing is he played through the injuries and is a super respected Pro Bowl player," an unnamed high-ranking NFL personnel evaluator said, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "I'm not sure he'll reach the level of J.J. Watt and AD (Aaron Donald), but he works hard enough that maybe he can." 

Watt and Donald are two of three players to win Defensive Player of the Year three times. The other is Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Giants star Lawrence Taylor. The compliment shows that James Jr. is on the right track after only playing in five games between 2019 and 2020.

It's unlikely that James Jr. will win DPOY. Only four safeties have won the award. Nonetheless, becoming the best player at his position is an attainable goal. In a recent survey that Fowler conducted, a combination of coaches, scouts, executives and players ranked him as the No. 2 safety behind Pittsburgh's Minkah Fitzpatrick.  

In 14 games last season, the 26-year-old recorded four sacks and 115 tackles, making his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.  

James Jr. hasn't made first-team All-Pro since his rookie season, but that could be in the cards this season if he has another productive year. Despite the injury concerns earlier in his career, his durability is improving. He's played in 29 of 34 games over the past two seasons.

James Jr. could propel himself to a new tier this season, helping the Chargers climb up the AFC hierarchy.