Jordan James 2025 NFL Draft: Oregon RB Scouting Report
In this loaded 2025 NFL Draft class, one running back to keep an eye on is Jordan James. Coming out of Oregon, James has solid contact balance and excellent burst through the hole. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook with this in-depth scouting report. Additionally, we will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.
Jordan James 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
James arrived at Oregon as a highly touted four-star recruit from Oakland High School in Tennessee, where he powered a dominant program to consecutive state titles with over 3,600 rushing yards across his final two seasons. Initially committed to Georgia, he flipped to the Ducks and steadily progressed from a situational contributor in 2022 to a breakout star in 2024. His junior season saw him take the reins as Oregon’s lead back, compiling 1,267 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns en route to Second Team All-Big Ten honors in the Ducks’ first year in the conference.
HT: 5094
WT: 205
HAND: 948
ARM: 3100
40: 4.55
Strengths:
- Decisive Downhill Runner: James attacks gaps with urgency, displaying a no-nonsense, north-south style that maximizes yardage on early downs. His ability to hit the hole hard minimizes negative plays and keeps the chains moving.
- Contact Balance: With a squatty, muscular build, he consistently churns through arm tackles and maintains momentum after initial hits, often falling forward for extra yards. His 31 career rushing touchdowns underscore his knack for finishing runs.
- Ball Security: Zero fumbles across 386 college carries—a rare feat for a back with his volume and physicality. This reliability makes him a coach’s dream in critical situations.
- Short-Yardage Prowess: A proven red-zone and goal-line weapon, James thrives in tight spaces, using his low pad level and leg drive to power through stacked boxes. His 15 scores in 2024 highlight this specialty.
- Burst Through the Hole: While not elite in long speed, his initial acceleration off the snap is impressive, allowing him to explode through creases and turn small gains into chunk plays.
Areas for Improvement:
- Limited Top-End Speed: James lacks the breakaway gear to turn 20-yard runs into 60-yard house calls. Defenders with good pursuit angles often catch him downfield, capping his big-play potential.
- Pass-Game Development: With only 42 career receptions (26 in 2024), his role as a receiver remains rudimentary—mostly check-downs and short routes. Drops (seven career) suggest inconsistent hands, and his route tree is underdeveloped.
- Pass Protection Concerns: While willing to engage blitzers, his technique is unpolished. He tends to lunge or lead with his shoulder rather than squaring up and sustaining blocks, which could limit third-down snaps early in his NFL career.
- Vision Inconsistency: James sometimes presses too quickly, missing cutback lanes or running into blockers. This reliance on predetermined paths may expose him against NFL defenses that clog initial gaps.
- Offensive Line Dependency: Oregon’s elite front opened massive holes in 2024, raising questions about how he’ll fare behind less dominant units. His yards-after-contact ability will be tested when blocking falters.
Conclusion:
Overall, James is a tough, reliable, and relentless throwback runner who thrives in the trenches. However, he needs refinement to unlock a full NFL workload. His floor is a dependable No. 2 back with special teams value; his ceiling, with coaching, could approach a low-end starter. For a franchise seeking a culture-setter in the backfield, he’s a name to watch in the 2025 draft.
James projects best in a gap or inside-zone scheme where his one-cut decisiveness and physicality can shine. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Minnesota Vikings, who value rugged runners to complement speedier backs, could maximize his skill set. His red-zone reliability makes him a candidate for early goal-line work, though his ceiling as a three-down back hinges on passing-game growth.
Like Dameon Pierce, James brings a bruising, compact style with good burst but lacks elite speed or versatility. Both excel in short-yardage scenarios and punish defenders, though James’ superior ball security gives him an edge.
Ultimately, James’ youth, durability, and production make him a safe pick. However, his lack of explosiveness and third-down polish may push him out of Day 2 in a loaded 2025 RB class. Teams needing a rotational power back with upside will target him, especially if his Pro Day speed improvement holds.
Round Grade: 4th Round
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Att | Yds | TD | Y/A | Rec | Yds | TD |
| 2022* | Oregon | 10 | 46 | 189 | 5 | 4.1 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023* | Oregon | 14 | 107 | 759 | 11 | *7.1* | 15 | 132 | 1 |
| 2024 | Oregon | 14 | 233 | 1267 | 15 | 5.4 | 26 | 209 | 0 |
| Career | 38 | 386 | 2215 | 31 | 5.7 | 42 | 347 | 1 |
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