2018 NFL Mock Draft: Giants land Sam Darnold

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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) /

The Washington Redskins sputtered through a tough 2017 campaign, as the injuries really began to mount on both sides of the ball. The team ended up near the bottom of the NFC East, and would have finished in last place, had the New York Giants not been so terrible this season. Heading into next season, there is a lot of work to do with this roster, but no move is bigger than locking up starting quarterback Kirk Cousins long-term.

Cousins had another solid season at quarterback for the Redskins in 2017, and put up some good numbers despite the fact that he had hardly any weapons in the passing game. On the defensive side of the ball, the unit was beaten far too often, especially in the passing game, and adding depth to the secondary is now a priority. Drafting a player like Derwin James could help this team in so many ways, and he would be a nice selection for the team at No. 13.

James played all over the secondary during his time at Florida State, and even left school as the all-time leader in return yards. While he is a solid cornerback, he will likely stay at safety at the next level, and has the size and speed to be a dominant force in the middle of the Redskins defensive backfield. He is going to be a stellar player in the NFL, and if the Redskins want to get back to being a contender in the NFC East, they need talent like him to stop the likes of Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz twice a season.

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