**Jordan James, RB**
**School:** Oregon | **Conference:** Big Ten
**College Experience:** Junior | **Age:** 20
**Height / Weight:** 5’9.5” / 205 lbs
**Projected Draft Status:** 4th-6th Round
**Player Comparison:** Devonta Freeman
### **College Statistics**
When Jordan James gets his chance to start for a team, he makes the most of it. His Oakland High School team in Tennessee enjoyed two undefeated seasons and state championships with James leading the way at running back. In those two seasons, James rushed for almost 3,500 yards and 50 touchdowns. He was a top running back nationally and a consensus four-star recruit thanks to this performance. After initially choosing to play at Georgia, he flipped his commitment to Oregon.
James was able to carve out a role for himself as a freshman in 2022 despite being behind several running backs including current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Bucky Irving. James established himself as the Ducks’ short yardage back, rushing for five touchdowns on only 46 attempts. His role would increase in 2023 as he would be second on the team in rush attempts and yards behind Irving, but he scored just as many TDs and had more yards per rush attempt. With Irving in the NFL, James became the starter to impressive results. He topped 1,200 yards with more than five yards per carry and 15 touchdowns on the ground.
### **Strengths**
* Burst and acceleration off the snap is very good
* Able to find creases between tackles and explode through them
* Lowers shoulder to deliver a blow to defenders
* Has good contact balance and strength to break tackles
* Only 386 carries on his career with no fumbles in college
### **Weaknesses**
* Long speed not particularly impressive
* Not very elusive in the open field
* Could tempo runs and be more patient hitting the hole
* Passing game impact is limited
* Willing blocker, but needs improvement overall
### **Let’s See His Work**
> The following teams have met formally with Oregon RB Jordan James, one of the most dynamic playmakers in the class, per sources. • Commanders• Bills• Cowboys• Broncos• Jaguars
>
> • Steelers
>
> — Ryan Fowler (@\_RyanFowler\_) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/_RyanFowler_/status/1895472821096382662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
### **How He Fits on the Commanders**
Although the Commanders will have Brian Robinson, Jr. and Austin Ekeler under contract for next season, the team could use more help out of the backfield. The big question is what kind of back will the team look to add. Will they look for a speedy home run hitter, a receiving threat, a change-of-pace back, or a lead back?
Jordan James looks like a player that could spell Brian Robinson, Jr. as RB2 this season and replace him long-term. He looks like a smaller, more explosive version of Robinson, Jr. for better and worse. He hits the hole hard and is tough to bring down, but he’ll also run into the back of blockers due to lack of patience. James may not have the speed to outrun defenders to the end zone, but he can steadily gain positive yardage to move the sticks. He has the upside to be the starter in a committee backfield.
0 votes total [Vote Now](#poll-vote)