2018 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Redskins Select S Derwin James at No. 13

With the 13th pick of the 2018 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Redskins select...

Derwin James, S, Florida State

The selection and write-up were made by Maul Poleski:

The Redskins made their biggest splashes this offseason on the offensive side of the ball, having signed bridge QB Alex Smith and traded for future franchise QB Kevin Hogan. They also made a sneaky good signing of WR Paul Richardson. That’s not to say they have ignored defense, as they have brought in Edge rusher Pernell McPhee and CB Orlando Scandrick. But they need more playmakers on that side of the ball. Enter Mr. James.

At 6’2, 215 James has very good size and 4.48 speed to go with it. He will primarily be a strong safety, though he could add a little weight and be more of a S/LB hybrid. He is good in run support and as a blitzer, and also has the ability to cover tight ends. James’s size and athleticism will add a nice punch to the back end of the Redskins defense.

If James were gone, they would look to bolster their shaky run defense with one of the NT’s Vea or Payne, though they may ink free agent Johnathan Hankins before draft night. Other needs are RB, TE, and OL.

I Quit.

Pokorny: “With Kirk Cousins out of the mix and a few other pieces rebuilt this offseason, I don’t know what to expect of the Redskins in 2018. I know head coach Jay Gruden has talked about being comfortable with their safety position, but if given the choice, I’d see James as a long-term upgrade over D.J. Swearinger and Montae Nicholson.”

The Green Bay Packers are up next, led by Darth_Batman.