With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 33
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) /

. Free Safety. Florida State Seminoles. Derwin James. 10. player. 28

The Oakland Raiders recently learned that cornerback David Amerson has signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. It followed Amerson’s release, but it was a confirmation that the Raiders’ already thin secondary was in even more flux than it seemed.

There are other areas of the game in which Oakland must improve, but with Reggie Nelson now 34 years of age, it can address the void of a defensive playmaker by drafting Derwin James.

James may not fill a pressing need, but he’s a dynamic playmaker who, on talent alone, should be in the top five discussion. There are concerns about his history of injuries, but if he checks out, this pick could push Oakland towards contending status.

Karl Joseph is developing into one of the best strong safeties in the NFL, which means Oakland would have a chance to form their own version of the Legion of Boom.

I understand why Raiders fans may be hesitant to accept this, but James is one of the most gifted playmakers in the country. His ability to make plays on the ball will change the face of a Raiders defense that ranked dead last in the NFL in interceptions.

James is a special talent who could end up being the best safety to emerge from this draft class—high praise considering Minkah Fitzpatrick’s prolific talent.

Home/Mock Drafts