Is Derwin James the Dallas Cowboys missing defensive piece?

Could Florida State strong safety Derwin James be the missing defensive piece for the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary to turn elite?

When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, everyone seems to have a different answer when it comes to what position America’s Team should address 19th overall. The overall favorites seem to be wide receiver, defensive tackle, defensive end or offensive line.

But one of the biggest areas of need addressed last season by the Cowboys was along their defensive secondary, with four of their nine selections being used on that unit. Those players included Colorado defensive back Chidobe Awuzie in the second round, Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis in the third, plus Louisiana Tech safety Xavier Woods and Florida State corner Marquez White, both of whom were sixth rounders.

With such an investment made in their secondary last year, you might think that there isn’t a big desperate need to add more young talent to this unit in the upcoming NFL Draft. But, in fact, the position of safety could certainly use an upgrade in Big D. Especially if the Cowboys can land the defensive difference-maker they so desperately need.

Could that player be Florida State strong safety Derwin James? It seems very possible. Considered an athletic freak, the 6-foot-3, 211 pound prospect is likely the exact type of defender new defensive backs coach Kris Richard would love to have in Dallas. As the former defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, Richard helped to form the Legion of Boom.

James is a devastating hitter and tackler who possesses elite, top-end speed. He’s not the ballhawking safety that the Cowboys probably need. But if veteran Jeff Heath is able to fill that role, this rookie can do everything else. Last season, James recorded 85 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 11 pass defends, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown in 12 games for the Seminoles.

Adding someone like James to the roster instantly upgrades this secondary. And it will force the Cowboys to move former first rounder Byron Jones from safety back to cornerback. Behind James would be impressive thumper and third-year safety Kavon Frazier. And Xavier Woods, who showed flashes in his rookie season, playing mostly in the slot.

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Florida State strong safety Derwin James seems like a perfect fit for the Dallas Cowboys defense. Unfortunately, most mock drafts seem to have the Seminole defender going off the board somewhere in the early to late teens of the first round. If James falls to Dallas, the choice is clear. But if Dallas wants to trade up for him, with their recent haul of compensatory selections, they certainly have the ammunition to do so.