For most football fans the NFL combine is a waste of viewing time. To be honest, with the way we're able to digest sports there really isn't a reason to watch the NFL combine coverage on NFL Network or ESPN. What the combine is to some football fans, is a time to see athletes compete for themselves. The Combine gives us something you can't see on Saturday and Sunday, selfishness! College athletes from all across the nation have a chance to put on workout clothes and outwork the guy next to them. They have the opportunity to one-up the next man for the sole purpose of saying “I'm stronger than you, or I'm faster than you.” I don't know about you but I think it's amazing TV.
The Combine is also the last time you get the chance to see these athletes compete for the job of a lifetime. After the Combine it's individual workouts, hosted by the player, Taylor made for the player strengths and controlled by said player. I don't really have interest in QB scripting throwing sessions with WRs they're familiar with, throwing routes that they're most comfortable with. Then we get reports on how that QB couldn't miss a throw, or how that Wide Receiver was unguardable (going against some college student that doesn't play football).
The players will also have individual team workouts where the player can show the team how they would fit in their scheme. Fans aren't privy to that work out session. I like the combine and from it, I've narrowed down 5 defensive players that I think the Cowboys could have a legit shot at landing in this draft. Now, I'm no draft guru! I'm not going to break down the round that the Cowboys can land a player but I will talk about how that player fits with the Cowboys.
The great thing about his draft is that it's deep at all that spots the Cowboys need help. Edge rusher, interior defensive lineman, linebacker, safety, and cornerback are all well-represented positions in this draft. The key for the Cowboys is deciding which position is of the highest priority and if the player available fills and need or is best available at the highest position of need. For example, say the Cowboys value interior defensive linemen as the highest position of need. When they go to pick, the highest rated defensive player is available and the third-ranked interior defensive linemen is also available. Do they draft the player they have higher on their board even if it's at a lesser position of need, although they could upgrade at every level of their defense, or do they draft that interior linemen? I'll let Jerry make those decisions and I will stick to the fun part discussing these players.
First up, Darwin James! James is expected to be a top 10 pick. That will depend on how many QBs go in the top 10, and which teams need defensive backs. A premium is being placed on edge rusher and every team in the league could use a Bradley Chubb or Marcus Davenport. In James’s case, I think the Cowboys will have to pull off a trade if they want to land, what some people believe to be the best defensive back in the draft class.
TELL OF THE TAPE!!!!
Derwin James measured in at 6’1 215 lbs. That is the ideal size for the safety position. James would be considered a big corner if he were to play outside. He ran a 4.48 sec 40-yard dash, posted a 40" vertical jump, pumped out 21 reps of 225 lbs (Orlando Brown Jr weights 340 lbs, only put up 16 reps) and posted an insane 11ft broad jump. James has all the measurables to be a great NFL safety. He also has the game film and on the field, production to back up those physical numbers.James is a combine standout similar to Bryon Jones, and we’re still waiting to see what Jones will become. He has played in big games against Clemson and Alabama. James produced against the best players at the college level and shown that he can be the difference maker that the Cowboys need in their secondary.
Is James worth trading up for? That is going to depend on how big a need safety is for the Cowboys and how much better they feel he is then the other players at his position. Personally, I don't feel like safety is the Cowboys biggest issue on defense. I think they really need to continue to build that front seven. With that said the Cowboys are in desperate need of playmakers and Darwin James is that! James is projected to go in the top ten and it may not be in the Cowboys best interest to mortgage the rest of their draft to go after one player when they’re clearly a few defensive players away.
How Does Derwin James fit?
As mentioned earlier the Cowboys need playmakers on defense. Currently, Sean Lee is the only player that the Cowboys have that plays with instinct and off script. The problem with that is Lee is often injured and when he misses time their defense struggles tremendously. I understand that no team will perform the same when they’re missing their best player but the Cowboy’s defense isn’t competent when Lee misses games.
Derwin James will give the Cowboys an extremely athletic and instinctive player. James played at Florida State against some of the best talents in the nation. All he did in FSU was ball out! James would be the perfect fit for the Cowboys at safety. With the recent move of Byron Jones to cornerback, the Cowboys have a need at Safety. I know they like Xavier Woods and Kavon Frazier, but if the opportunity presents itself to add a player of Jame’s caliber they should jump all over that. Derwin James would give the Cowboys a safety that can play in the box, and man to man against tight ends and slot wide receivers. In my opinion, James should be the Cowboys top prospect. He fills multiple needs in the secondary and could be the playmaker this Cowboys defense is missing.
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