RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.