LaMichael James (Oregon) - 2012 NFL Draft Pick #61 by SF
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for LaMichael James (2012 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
- Name: LaMichael James
- College: Oregon
- Position: Running Back
- Height: 5'9"
- Weight: 194 lbs
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.45 seconds
Strengths:
- Speed: LaMichael James possesses elite speed, allowing him to break away from defenders and turn the corner on outside runs.
- Agility: His exceptional agility makes him elusive in the open field, enabling him to make quick cuts and evade tackles.
- Vision: James has impressive field vision, allowing him to read blocks effectively and find running lanes.
- Pass-Catching Ability: He is a reliable receiver out of the backfield, contributing to both the rushing and passing game.
Weaknesses:
- Size: At 5'9" and 194 lbs, James lacks the ideal size for an every-down NFL running back, raising concerns about durability.
- Blocking: His pass-blocking skills are considered a liability, which could limit his playing time in certain offensive schemes.
- Injury History: James had some injuries during his college career, which could raise concerns about his long-term durability in the NFL.
Overall Assessment:
LaMichael James is a dynamic playmaker with the potential to be a game-changing running back in the NFL. His speed and agility make him a threat to score any time he touches the ball. However, teams may be cautious due to his smaller stature and pass protection issues. He is likely to be drafted as a change-of-pace back or a versatile weapon in an offensive scheme that maximizes his unique skill set.
Projected Draft Round:
Late 2nd Round to Early 4th Round