With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Super Bowl LII and Senior Bowl Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the North team throws the ball during the first half of the Reese's Senior Bowl against the the South team at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the North team throws the ball during the first half of the Reese's Senior Bowl against the the South team at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Derwin James. 7. player. 48. . Safety. Florida State

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a quarterback they believe in, a borderline elite No. 1 receiving option, and a future that’s as promising as it is concerning. Just when it seemed as though the Bucs were ready to make a leap, it all came crashing down in 2017.

For as vast and appealing as the options may be at other positions, nothing will matter more for Tampa Bay in April than improving the passing defense.

The Buccaneers finished the 2017 regular season ranked dead last in passing yards allowed—an unforgivable truth. That could compel Jason Licht to look for a defensive lineman, but I’m not entirely sure that Arden Key would be the right pick here.

Instead, in-state prospect and decorated safety Derwin James appears to be the player who could do the most to help Tampa Bay in 2018 and beyond.

James has elite size and athleticism for a safety, which enables him to contribute in multiple phases of the game. Whether he’s bringing help over the top or running stride for stride with tight ends and slot receivers, his range and closing speed make him a riveting force.

Coupled with the fact that James is excellent against the run, the only thing to worry about here is his durability—something Tampa Bay can do its homework on ahead of time.

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