Fansided

College Football Week 3: NFL Draft big board rankings

By Nathaniel Reeves

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles with the football during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles with the football during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
31 of 32
Next
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in their game 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 reacts after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
2

Derwin James

S, Florida State

James didn’t get a chance to display his abilities this week as Florida State’s game against Louisiana-Monroe was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, but the dynamic safety remains near the top of the big board following a good showing against Alabama.

The do-it-all playmaker emerged as one of the nation’s top defenders back in 2015 as a freshman with 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass defenses and a pair of forced fumbles. Unfortunately, James suffered a knee injury in week two of 2016 and missed the rest of the season.

While the talent is undeniable, NFL scouts were eager to see if James could get back to full strength after such a major injury. James looked as effective as ever in a solid performance by the Florida State defense against the mighty Crimson Tide by recording six tackles and half a sack while constantly disrupting the Alabama backfield.

At 6-3, 212 pounds with plus speed, James can line up all over the field and has the versatility to be a force in pass rush, run defense, and coverage against opposing tight ends. James’ turnover production could improve, as he has only one career interception, but scouts will likely see comparisons to former teammate Jalen Ramsey, who was selected fifth overall in 2016.

Florida State’s matchup with Miami was pushed back due to the storm, so James won’t be in action again until Sept. 23 against NC State.

Home/College Football