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2018 NFL Mock Draft: 49ers get their franchise quarterback

By Brad Weiss

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Safety Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 24 to 20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Safety Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 24 to 20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a play during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 23, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. NC State defeated Florida State 27 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a play during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 23, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. NC State defeated Florida State 27 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Derwin James

Defensive Back, Florida State

The Indianapolis Colts knew they were going to struggle without Andrew Luck under center this season, as he still battles back from offseason shoulder surgery. Jacoby Brissett has done a nice job keeping the team afloat, and with nobody really running away with the AFC South, the Colts may be able to make a run later this season. If not, they will be picking early in round one next April and should look to bolster their defense with the pick.

When it comes to defensive backs, there is no better player in this draft than Derwin James. The safety from Florida State has the talent to play all over the secondary but is truly the best safety in this draft class. He is an elite athlete, and at the next level, he will be the kind of player who comes in and instantly makes the position group a strength moving forward.

The AFC South is loaded with quarterback talent, including the likes of Marcus Mariota and Deshaun Watson. In order to win the division, you have to be able to stop the pass, and bringing in a player like James would be a nice step in the right direction when it comes to doing that. The Colts have a ton of talent on their roster, but they are missing some key pieces, and a standout safety just happens to be one of those pieces they need to be a true contender in the AFC.

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