He's as good in coverage if not better than Smith. The hitting needs cleaned up but he's coachable, just didn't have any coaches worth a crap at FSU.
But i go back to opportunity vs. cost. It will likely cost passing on a Day 1 Starter at RT or OG to pick James. That is too high a cost for me for no other reason than Derwin won't be able to improve the Defense as much as a Starting O-Lineman would improve the Offense.
The Defense is already #1. In my opinion to improve it significantly you need a 3T that can really rush the passer, more CBs for Dime Packages and more DE depth to go along with Derwin to make it that much better.
But adding an RT also provides opportunity to improve the RG as well as depth and will have a greater impact on the Offense.
This is why pure BPA is actually pure BS. If a RB or WR that was a Top 10 Talent fell to Rick would he pull the trigger? Nope. With Cook, Thielen and Diggs adding another weapon instead of improving the Line makes no sense.
Having said that, if Rick doesn't see an O-Lineman he feels has a First or early Second Round grade then by all means you take James. He's not getting past Seattle, though.