Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Top 5 NFL Draft options after JPP trade

Improving the quality of play at safety may not be the top priority, but Derwin James is too much of a talent to ignore. Some believe James will be selected further down the board, but the in-state prospect has all of the tools to become an All-Pro in the NFL.

There may be more high-profile options to consider, but James is the type of talent who could transform the secondary as early as his rookie season.

James is a 6’3″ and 215-pound free safety with 4.47 speed and a unique combination of strength, agility, and explosiveness. He can make plays on the ball out in centerfield, bring help in man coverage, and provide value as a thumping tackler in run defense.

James is the complete package from a pure talent perspective, and the Buccaneers shouldn’t be afraid to explore this possibility in the weeks leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft.

The lone reason James has fallen down some draft boards is the fact that he suffered a knee injury early in his career. That’s certainly reason to be skeptical, but that’s why franchises have medical staffs: To evaluate how much of a risk it truly is.

If James’ knee checks out and Minkah Fitzpatrick is off the board, then Tampa Bay should give serious consideration to the possibility making James the franchise free safety.