Florida State defensive back Derwin James has some admirers who’d like to see him in a Dallas Cowboys jersey in the near future. But as Chase Goodbread of NFL.com reports, James doesn’t expect to be on the board by the time the Cowboys pick at No. 19, so they’ll need to move up a bit higher if they want to draft him.
“I think it's a good compliment, but I don't think I'll go that late. I feel like once I come out and show people what I can do, and once I'm done with these meetings, I feel like they'd have to trade up to get me,” James said.
James is generally regarded one of the best prospects in the entire draft. He's a versatile, playmaking defensive back who played a lot of different roles in the Seminoles’ defense in college. He’s projected to play safety and slot corner in the NFL, but he is capable of doing so much more if necessary.
He’s likely correct in his assessment that he won’t be around by the second half of the first round. However, the Cowboys may not have to move too far up in order to get him. James is currently being projected to go in the teens in mock drafts at NFL.com.
The Cowboys could have a need for another safety like James as they consider moving Byron Jones back to cornerback next season. However, they still have some more pressing needs at other positions, so trading up to take a safety seems unlikely.
But in the event that James does drop to Dallas all the way down at 19, the Cowboys should still consider picking him just for the good value he presents at that spot.
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