Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Who is the pick at seven?

Michael Horan

My prediction for the Buccaneers’ 7th overall pick is safety Derwin James. It seems unlikely at this point that any of the “big three” – Quenton Nelson, Bradley Chubb, and Saquon Barkley – make it to pick seven, so the clear fourth option for me is Derwin James. From a talent perspective James absolutely deserves a top ten selection as much as Barkley, Chubb or Nelson do. His value as a safety is a bit tricky, but the same could be said about Barkley as a running back and Nelson as a guard. James is the total package as a safety: he can cover ground in a hurry to deliver a hit or pass break-up, and he can get physical and nasty near the line of scrimmage as a blitzer or thumper in the run game.

If you need James to play as a single-high safety, he can do it. If you need James to cover a big dangerous tight end, he can do it. For any defensive coordinator worth his salt, James would be a God-send as a draft pick. As it stands right now, the Bucs are slated to start either Keith Tandy or Chris Conte at strong safety, so it’s safe to say that the position is a major need for the team. With James the Bucs will have formed a long-term dangerous safety duo between he and Justin Evans who the team drafted last season, which could help compensate for some shoddy cornerback coverage. James has already had a private visit with the Buccaneers and barring a surprise early pick, James will be available when the Buccaneers pick. I have a feeling that he’ll be the name they call.