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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Derwin James (Florida St.) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #17 by LAC

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Derwin James - 2018 NFL Draft

Player Overview:
  • Name: Derwin James
  • Position: Safety
  • College: Florida State University
  • Height: 6'2"
  • Weight: 215 lbs
Strengths:
  • Physicality: James is known for his impressive physical attributes, showcasing elite size, speed, and strength for a safety.
  • Versatility: Capable of playing both strong and free safety positions, as well as lining up in the box and covering slots and tight ends.
  • Football IQ: Displays a strong understanding of the game, reading plays well and making quick decisions.
  • Tackling Ability: Known for his aggressive tackling style, which is effective in both run support and pass defense.
  • Coverage Skills: Possesses the athleticism to match up against wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs in coverage situations.
Weaknesses:
  • Injury History: Suffered a knee injury in 2016 that limited his playing time, raising concerns about durability.
  • Over-aggressiveness: Occasionally takes poor angles to the ball due to his aggressive playing style, which can lead to missed tackles.
  • Consistency: While he has flashes of brilliance, there are times where he can be caught out of position or not make an impact.
Overall Assessment:

Derwin James is a highly regarded safety prospect with the ability to impact both the run and pass game. His combination of size, speed, and intelligence make him a potential game-changer at the next level. If he can stay healthy and refine his game, he has the tools to be a top-tier safety in the NFL.

Projected Draft Position:

James is expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his unique skill set and potential to become a cornerstone player in their secondary.