Seventh in a series looking at potential candidates for the 49ers’ first-round selection when they draft No. 9 overall on April 26:
49ers draft prospect: Derwin James
College: Florida State
Position: Safety
Ht/Wt: 6-foot-2, 215 pounds
Why he fits the 49ers: By returning Jimmie Ward to cornerback, the 49ers are willing to look elsewhere for their starting safeties, and although Jaquiski Tartt and Adrian Colbert could be that tandem, James may thrust himself into consideration. General manager John Lynch certainly can spot safety talent, having been an All-Pro himself.
Why he doesn’t: Again, the 49ers are pretty well stocked with safeties, even if they’re not financially tied to any long term. Eric Reid remains a free agent so he could be a veteran backup at strong safety, too. A first-round pick should be used on a more critical position of need.
Scouting report: Skills are considerable and augmented by being a strong locker room leader whom teammates willingly follow. Can be utilized either in the box or as a deep safety but at his best playing closer to the line where he can be a blitzer or shadow receivers on shorter pass routes. Has played just 26 college games and missed time in 2016 with a meniscus tear.
Quotable: “They moved me around a lot. I could do it all. I could play deep. I could cover No. 2 (receiver), I can play the tight end, I could play in the box, I can blitz. Whatever you need,” James to reporters at the NFL scouting combine about his versatility.
