First of all, I am not a Florida or Florida State fan. I could care less what school you come from, as long as you can play. I do have concerns about picking Derwin James that high...and I don't (along with lots of people in the NFL) think he is nearly as good as Fitzpatrick. I am not an SEC guy either and so there is no bias here.
Yes, James is a freak athlete and worthy of a first round pic, but at 7 our pick needs to be a playmaker. James does not make a lot of plays on the ball. His last season was not a strong one either...and so his ridiculous athleticism and combine numbers are key to his projection in the NFL. He is also one of those high-cut athletes that once they get into the league, seem to get hurt quite often. He could be a very good player...but there is a much rarer and more talented player ahead of him.
The reason so many are projecting Fitzpatrick in the top 7 is that the guy is a rare talent. A safety that can move up in the box, blitz, play centerfield but also SHUTDOWN a receiver on the outside or in the slot. When have we seen a safety do that? He is physical and has incredible ball skills...something that James seems to lack. The guy has 9 career picks and four pick sixes in his college career. He just seems to be a step ahead of everyone in the field. Also, he does not have the injury history of James as well.
If Nelson, Chubb, Barkley and Fitzpatrick are all gone at 7, I guess I would be fine with the James pick. James might end up being better than all of them...but to me those other four are the only sure things. James is much more of projection that they are.
My biggest fear with James is that with his style and body type, he will be a guy receiving lots of penalties and end up on IR quite a bit... I hope I am wrong and that he has a great career...but I have more doubts about him than the others.
