2018 NFL Draft Awards: Best Value Pick – Round 1

By Charlie Campbell.
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With the 2018 NFL Draft in the books, it is only fair to dish out some awards for a job well done by a number of teams across the NFL. It also doesn’t hurt to look at which teams may have made regrettable picks.

Pass along your thoughts on these awards and the 2018 NFL Draft. I may put together a mail bag that answers questions/comments sent via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.





Best Value Pick Round 1: Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James, S, Florida State
This was a tough decision between James and Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who went one pick ahead to Buffalo. Both James and Edmunds were top-10 talents who just happened to slip into the middle of the first round because the draft fell that way. I gave the nod to James as the best value because he went one spot lower and the Chargers didn’t have to give up picks to move up for him like the Bills did for Edmunds.

James was viewed by many NFL teams as the top safety prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft. The fast and physical defender landed in the perfect system for him and should be an immediate upgrade for the safety-needy Chargers. Multiple team sources from franchises picking in the top 10 had James as their top-rated safety and felt he was among the best defensive prospects at any position. James’ instincts, combined with his elite speed and physicality, could make him a dynamic presence in the Chargers’ defense behind their potent pass rush and quality pass coverage. Having James fall into their laps at the 17th-overall pick is a steal, and the Chargers should have safety as a strength for the next decade.

Honorable mentions: Buffalo linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Taven Bryan, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes, New England Patriots running back Sony Michel and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

2017 Winner: Malik Hooker, Colts
2016 Winner: Laremy Tunsil, Dolphins
2015 Winner: Todd Gurley, Rams and Malcom Brown, Patriots
2014 Winner: HaHa Clinton-Dix, Packers
2013 Winner: Sharrif Floyd, Vikings
2012 Winner: Riley Reiff, Lions



Once again, pass along your thoughts on these awards and the 2018 NFL Draft. I may together a mail bag that answers questions/comments sent via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.








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