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New England Patriots: Full 2018 first round NFL mock draft

By Kenneth Teape

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 30: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose Jameis Winston of the Florida State Seminoles
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 30: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose Jameis Winston of the Florida State Seminoles /
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CHI No. 8 Overall Pick: Florida State S, Derwin James

The Chicago Bears had a solid defensive unit in 2017, but their offense was abysmal. Being led by a rookie quarterback has its ups and downs, which resulted in another last-place finish in the NFC North. The Bears offense will be tied to Mitch Trubisky for the foreseeable future, but they should continue loading up their defense.

With the eighth pick, the Bears continue shoring up their defensive secondary with Florida State safety, Derwin James. James is an explosive athlete that will immediately improve any defensive unit that he joins.

James gets the job done against the run and the pass. He excels against the run, finishing with 186 total tackles and 15 tackles for loss. That came mostly in two seasons, as James missed all but two games in the 2016 season.

Durability is probably the biggest issue for James coming into the NFL. His versatility and athleticism will fit into the free-flowing nature of the NFL, as he can fit a number of different roles in the secondary.

Prior to the 2017 season, the Bears defense was not great. Adding James will help keep the momentum going on that side of the ball while the offense comes together under new head coach, Matt Nagy. James could become the next leader of Bears defense that has numerous great leaders previously.

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