Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Assessing Washington Redskins First Round Option: DB Derwin James

By Ian Cummings

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 05: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Mississippi Rebels during the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on September 5, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 05: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Mississippi Rebels during the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on September 5, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

What Derwin James does well

Derwin James’ size jumps off the page immediately. At 6-foot-3, 212, James is incredibly long for his position, and as he showcased at the NFL Combine, and countless times on tape, James is incredibly fast for his size. He logged an official 4.47 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, and he registered 21 bench reps as well. James also managed a full 11 feet on his broad jump, which speaks to his otherworldly athletic ability.

James, with his speed, strength, and athleticism, can be a versatile chess piece for the Washington Redskins, if they choose to take him. Derwin James’ listed position on many sites may be safety, but don’t seclude him in that one category. James is more than a deep safety. James can line up in the box. He can man the slot. He even lined up at linebacker on occasion. His combination of size and athleticism allows for this to happen, and he has the physicality to do this effectively as well. His stat line reflects this multipurpose role well; Over his time with the Seminoles, he accrued 186 total tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

James’ size and athleticism also translates to upside at the next level. As we’ll go through in the next slide, James isn’t a perfect prospect, even if his measurables suggest that he is. However, because he is so naturally gifted, his potential at the next level, should he reach it, is simply out of this world. And there are no character concerns with James that might contribute to a letdown. He was the leader of the Florida State defense, both in the locker room and on the field. Leadership is a quality that Minkah Fitzpatrick often gets praised for, but make no mistake: James has him matched there.

Derwin James is a football tracking freak. His combination of size, speed, and natural talent is unmatched by all. There’s just one player that he might resemble: Former Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor. While no one can match up with the G.O.A.T., Derwin James possesses the traits to make a similar kind of impact. There are just a few things he needs to work on.

Home/Commanders Draft News