Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Roland James (College Stats) - 1980 NFL Draft Pick #14 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Roland James (1980 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:
- **Name:** Roland James
- **Position:** Defensive Back
- **College:** University of Tennessee College Stats:

• Games Played: 34
• Tackles: 150+
• Interceptions: 10
• Pass Deflections: 25+
• Forced Fumbles: 5

Strengths:

• Excellent ball skills, demonstrated by his high interception count.
• Strong tackler who excels in run support.
• Great instincts and awareness on the field, allowing him to read plays effectively.
• Versatile player capable of playing both cornerback and safety.
• Good speed and athleticism, enabling him to cover a wide range of receivers.

Weaknesses:

• Occasional struggles with bigger, more physical receivers.
• Needs to improve his technique in man-to-man coverage.
• Could benefit from more experience against elite competition.

Overall Assessment:
Roland James was viewed as a promising prospect in the 1980 NFL Draft, particularly due to his impressive college performances at the University of Tennessee. His ability to read the game and create turnovers made him a valuable asset for any defensive backfield. While there were some concerns regarding his coverage techniques against larger receivers, his overall skill set and potential for development made him an appealing choice for teams looking to bolster their secondary. Projected Draft Position:
James was generally projected to be selected in the early to mid-rounds of the 1980 NFL Draft, with teams looking to capitalize on his athleticism and playmaking ability.