2018 NFL Mock Draft: Complete first round after pro days, trades
Safety. Florida State. Derwin James. 24. 87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player
Needs: DB, WR, OL
The Carolina Panthers have seemingly needed offensive line and wide receiver help since Cam Newton became their starting quarterback. The Panthers will roll with Torrey Smith, Devin Funchess, and Greg Olsen as their major targets in the passing game with hybrid wingback type Chris Samuel and multi-talented running back Christian McCaffrey being the main ball carriers in 2018. Cam Newton needs improved protection, but he also needs a defense if the Panthers are going to make a serious playoff run in 2018.
Derwin James is a lot like Minkah Fitzpatrick in that he can play free safety, but also can roll into the box and play the run. James doesn’t have Fitzpatrick’s natural coverage abilities but did post a 4.47 in the 40 yard dash showing he has NFL caliber speed. James has size too, at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds and is a sure tackler.
His 40 inch vertical jump and 132 inch broad jump show that he is far removed from the season ending injury that held him out of 2016. James has been listed on draft boards anywhere from a top ten pick to going around 25th so at 24th James is a steal for Carolina.