2018 NFL Draft first round re-draft: What changes one year later?

4. Cleveland Browns: Derwin James, S, Florida State

Original Pick: Denzel Ward

Derwin James, in my opinion, may have been the single biggest steal in the 2018 NFL Draft. There were a couple of other players that are close that I will mention shortly, but James ended up being a First Team All-Pro safety his rookie season after being drafted 17th overall.

There were rumors swirling around James’ injury history as a concern around draft time in 2018 that may have led to a little bit of a fall in his draft stock, but James was widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the draft.

James proved that to be true, stepping into a talented Chargers’ defense and proving to be arguably the leader and best player on that side of the ball. James can do it all. He racked up over 100 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 13 passes defended in 2018.

James could have been the Swiss Army Knife that Gregg Williams would have loved to have had in his defense with the Browns last season. Denzel Ward was impressive in his rookie season, making the Pro Bowl as well, but James is such an impactful and versatile piece that the Browns couldn’t pass up in this re-draft.

With Damarious Randall roaming centerfield and Derwin James covering anything and everything between him and the quarterback, the Browns secondary would wreak havoc on opposing offenses. James is impressive enough to me to warrant the first changed pick if the re-draft.