2018 NFL Draft Profile: Derwin James, S Florida State
By Austin Erwin
Derwin James is a name NFL fans should know heading into the 2018 NFL Draft since the Florida State safety is sure to be a first-round draft pick.
The Minnesota Vikings have an established culture of blue-collar football. Playing in a division where you see Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers twice a year, it is almost required to supply a defense with cornerstone players.
With the NFL Draft just over a month away, Minnesota will be zeroing in on the top prospects. Derwin James is one name that will continue to be linked to the Vikings as the draft approaches.
James is labeled a safety, but he took on a much larger role while he played for Florida State. After a star-studded freshman season, the nation highly anticipated a repeat performance for his sophomore year in 2016.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short after suffering a torn meniscus in the first game.
According to NFL.com, James earned AP All-American honors and was labeled First-Team All-ACC in 2017. He is a playmaker at all levels of the defense leaving opposing teams to struggle with his versatile skill set.
Measurables/Athletic Testing
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 215 lbs
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds
- Bench Press: 21 reps
- Vertical: 40 inches
- Broad Jump: 132 inches
Strengths
leadership qualitiesExcellent athlete with great size for the position
Has excellent closing speed when reacting to outside routes and screens
Versatile skill set allows him to play multiple positions
Strong enough to play in the box as an extra linebacker
Skilled blitzer off the edge and capable of getting home with his
Consistent at tackling in space with a great reaction to movement
Plays with a mean streak to finish plays with ferocity
Reliable in man coverage
Squeezes the route in zone
Weaknesses
- Sometimes waits for the ball carrier rather than initiating the contact himself
- Needs more discipline with his eyes
- Sometimes loses sight of the quarterback when in coverage
- Needs to improve when helping on deep, sideline routes
- Tore his meniscus during his sophomore season
- Great overall talent, but will not be able to rely on athleticism in the NFL
Overall
Derwin James has just as much talent as any safety that has come out of the draft in recent years. His athletic make up has created a high ceiling for development.
James is still raw, but his foundation of talent should lead to early success when he reaches the NFL. He is used to roaming around serving the role of a dynamic playmaker, but still needs to work on some of the fundamentals that come with playing defensive back.
James can be a star in the NFL and is capable of transforming a defense.
Fit with the Minnesota Vikings
After landing Sheldon Richardson in free agency, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer would be thrilled to nab James in the draft. The Florida State alumni would be an excellent fit to an already studded defense.
Minnesota Vikings
James would be playing alongside Harrison Smith, who is one of the top performing safeties in football. He would be in the presence of many talented defenders and could make Minnesota’s secondary even better than what it was in 2017.
My Take
James’ greatest asset is his utility. There is nothing better than a defensive back who is capable of playing roles outside of his position.
James has the coverages skills to serve as a slot corner while also being able to step up inside and play as a linebacker. He’s a sure tackler and Zimmer would have another weapon to bring off the edge in blitzing packages.
Next: Realistic free-agent options for the Vikings' defense in 2018
James’ versatility is off the charts and his explosive athleticism will allow him the opportunity to be a difference maker at the next level.
Draft Grade: Mid first-round