Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Robert James (Arizona St.) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #138 by ATL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Robert James (2008 NFL Draft)

College: Arizona State University
Position: Linebacker

Overview:

Robert James was a standout linebacker at Arizona State, known for his athleticism and ability to make plays on the field. His performance during his college years garnered attention from NFL scouts, making him a notable prospect heading into the 2008 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: James showcased impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and pursue ball carriers effectively.
• Football IQ: He demonstrated a solid understanding of defensive schemes and displayed good instincts on the field.
• Tackling: Known for his aggressive tackling style, he was adept at bringing down players in open space.
• Versatility: James had the ability to play multiple linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset to any defensive scheme.

Areas for Improvement:

• Size: At 6'0" and around 225 pounds, some scouts were concerned about his size and ability to handle larger NFL running backs.
• Consistency: While talented, there were moments during his college career where his play was inconsistent, leading to questions about his reliability.
• Coverage Skills: Although he had some ability in pass coverage, there were areas to improve, especially against more seasoned NFL receivers and tight ends.

Projected Draft Position:

Robert James was projected to be selected in the late rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft, likely as a special teams contributor and potential developmental linebacker.

Conclusion:

Robert James presented intriguing potential as a linebacker with speed and instincts. While there were concerns regarding his size and consistency, his collegiate performance at Arizona State made him a candidate for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps with a player who had the ability to impact games on special teams as well.