COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Chargers had one of the most productive defensive backfields in the NFL last season.

However, free safety Tre Boston is expected to hit free agency in March, and if the Chargers cannot sign him to a new deal, they could look to the draft for his replacement.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay has the Chargers using the No. 17 overall pick on talented Florida State free safety Derwin James in his second mock draft, released Tuesday.

McShay says that James would be a perfect fit for Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme because of his ability to fly around in the run game and be a matchup piece in the passing game.

In his earlier mock draft, McShay had the Chargers taking Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield. But in this mock McShay has Mayfield off the board before the Chargers pick.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had the Chargers taking Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne in his first mock draft.

Analysis of the pick: At 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds, James has been compared to Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor because of his physicality and athleticism.

With as much as the Chargers were in sub packages defensively last season, they could use a hybrid safety like James to do a better job in stopping the run. He also appears to have the leadership skills coveted for an NFL locker room.

However, James’ injury history is a concern. He missed all but two games in 2016 after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee.

James returned to the field and played in 12 games during his final season at Florida State, finishing with 84 tackles (including 5.5 tackles for a loss), a sack and two interceptions.