In the lead-up to the 2018 NFL Draft, one name in particular stood out to many Redskins fans — Derwin James.



The Florida State safety would not only fill a need, the thinking went, but could energize a franchise in search of a permanent solution at that position since the passing of Pro Bowler Sean Taylor in 2007.



Washington had an opportunity to draft James when he was still on the board at No. 13 overall, instead opting to take Alabama defensive lineman Daron Payne.



The Los Angeles Chargers ultimately selected James shortly after at No. 17 overall and, though Payne was solid as a rookie for the Redskins, James is squarely in the conversation for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award after posting 105 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions.



On Sunday, it was former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current television analyst Tony Romo who drew a direct line between Taylor, the beloved Redskins legend, and James during the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Round game between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers.



“You can’t say enough about him. He is absolutely the real deal. People have been trying to talk about who he reminds them of and it’s hard," Romo said. "I think he’s like Sean Taylor from the Redskins. He does a little bit of everything.



"We call him a position less player. You put him where you think the ball’s going to go most often during the game," Romo added.



James was selected to the Pro Bowl for his efforts as a rookie, as well as being named a First Team All-Pro.



The Redskins have not had a player named to the All-Pro First Team since punter Matt Turk in 1996.

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