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2018 NFL Draft prospect
Derwin James
age 21.7 · 6'3" · 215 lb
On the live board, bust risk sits at 7% and the realistic range is No. 1 to No. 56.
rank#12$6.1MCompJalen Mills
Backtest: model vs. reality
The model graded Derwin James at pick #12; he was actually picked #17 by LAC. 7 NFL seasons in, he's carved out a genuine role (grading 9.0 of 20 per season), and the market has paid him — a second deal at $19.0M a year. The 4-tier model sees a strong shot at elite: 51% probability of Pro-Bowl-level career. His NFL play has graded as a solid starter (23% recent-3, 47% peak across 6 seasons). Model predicted $25M/yr; actual $19M (over by $6M).
Overview
Headline grade, verdict, and the one-line scout take
Draftanomics Rank
High conviction#122nd-deal AAV at this slot$6.1M/yrS·Florida St.
We had him No. 12 on draft night, and the league mostly agreed — LAC took him at No. 17. The seasons since are the scoreboard.
Scouting report
The written report — drafted from the fact sheet, every number traceable, honest about what we can't see yet
Why this grade
Which signals drove the grade up or down — in plain English
Consensus
The analyst room, accuracy-weighted, plus where Draftanomics disagrees with it
Production6
Measurables, traits, and college play quality
Risk1
Bust probability, injury history, character flags, pre-mortem
Team fit5
How well this prospect fits each of the 32 team schemes
Will he be there?
Probability he's still on the board at each of your picks
Comps5
Historical players this prospect resembles
Film & notes
Clips, scout notes, voice memos, written reports