Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James (20) carries the ball for a first down during the first half against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Jordan James RB Oregon | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jordan James RB Oregon
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/20/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.45 seconds (83%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.8 DOB: 03/29/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
| Last Updated: 12/20/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.45 seconds (83%*) | |
| Age: 20.8 DOB: 03/29/2004 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 85.9 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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93% |
| Break Tackles: |
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73% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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56% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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42% |
| Run Blocking: |
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51% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Late
Overall Rank:
#53
Position rank:
#5
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| College Games: 35 College Snaps: 880 | ||
ESPN RATING: 82/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 93/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zach Charbonnet - UCLA |
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76% |
| Kenneth Walker III - Michigan State |
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71% |
| Jerome Ford - Cincinnati |
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69% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Jordan James, a junior running back from Oregon, emerged as a dynamic playmaker in the Ducks' backfield during the 2023 season. The 5'10", 210-pound Nashville native led the Pac-12 with an impressive 7.09 yards per carry, ranking 10th nationally. James accumulated 759 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 107 carries, tying for the third-most rushing touchdowns in the conference.A former four-star recruit, James showed flashes of potential as a freshman before breaking out in his sophomore campaign. He scored at least one touchdown in nine of 14 games played, including a three-touchdown performance in the season opener against Portland State. James also demonstrated versatility in the passing game, catching 15 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown.
James' college career has been marked by efficiency and big-play ability. He recorded his first 100-yard rushing game against Washington State and consistently averaged over 5 yards per carry throughout the season.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Plus vision and patience as a runner, consistently showing ability to press the hole and find daylight
- Explosive first step and immediate acceleration, hits the hole with authority and gets North-South quickly
- Good functional strength and runs with low pad level, consistently falls forward and churns out yards after contact
- Three-down potential with soft hands out of the backfield, can be a weapon on swing passes and screens
- High and tight ball carriage, protects the rock well in traffic and demonstrates good ball security habits
- Red zone dynamo with a knack for paydirt, excels in short-yardage situations and goal-to-go scenarios
- Lateral agility and quick-twitch athleticism allow him to make defenders miss in the hole and in space
- Efficient with touches, demonstrates home run ability and can take it the distance when he sees daylight
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks prototypical NFL frame for a bell-cow back, may struggle with durability concerns at the next level
- Raw in pass pro, needs work on anchor strength and blitz recognition to stay on the field in passing situations
- Limited tread on the tires, lacks experience as the primary back over a full season at the collegiate level
- Can be too reliant on blocking scheme, needs to improve ability to create when plays break down
- Route tree out of the backfield is limited, must expand route-running repertoire to maximize receiving potential
Scouting Report: Summary
James profiles as a change-of-pace back with home-run potential in a zone-heavy scheme. His explosive first step and vision make him an ideal fit for outside zone concepts, where he can use his burst to exploit cutback lanes. While his frame limits his potential as a workhorse, James' efficiency suggests he could thrive in a committee backfield that emphasizes his strengths in space.His development hinges on improving pass protection and expanding his route tree. If James can become more reliable in blitz pickup and develop as a receiver, he could evolve into a third-down weapon. His red zone prowess and ability to create chunk plays give him immediate value, but consistency in the mundane aspects of the position will determine his long-term ceiling.
Ultimately, James projects as a day two pick who can contribute immediately in a rotational role. His explosive play potential and scoring ability make him an intriguing prospect, but his evolution as a complete back will determine whether he becomes a feature player or remains a specialized weapon in an NFL offense.
Written By:
Lennox Tate
How other scouting services rate Jordan James (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
124.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
12.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.