NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft

Before I explain this pick, let me give a quick reminder.

Derwin James is not a safety. He is a defensive back.

James doesn’t just play safety. He plays all over the field, including slot cornerback. For the Washington Redskins, Derwin James would provide a valuable chess piece in the secondary. He has the athletic ability to play anywhere, and thus, he has priceless versatility that teams will covet in the early first round of the NFL Draft. He’s a player who can give the Redskins depth at safety, while also contributing as a box safety or in the slot on occasion. He’s a swiss army knife, and he could help give the Washington Redskins more dynamic ability on defense.

Here, a quarterback run sends both James and Minkah Fitzpatrick to the No. 13 pick in the NFL Draft. Both players are very good, but with this pick, the Washington Redskins opt to go with the more athletic player, and from a certain perspective, the greater upside.

Both James and Fitzpatrick are leaders in the locker room. Both players bring winning mentalities, and both will only be benefits to the culture they join. Thus, if a team is forced to choose between them, it could come down to a small, albeit noticeable difference. The Washington Redskins will value James’ athleticism and length here, and by acquiring James, they automatically improve the quality of their secondary.