Dawgs By Nature
Analyzing Oregon RB Jordan James as a potential draft pick for Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns desperately need to add depth and playmaking ability to the running back room in 2025, and this year’s NFL Draft class is loaded with options in every round for Andrew Berry and Co. to choose from.
The Browns are set to lose four running backs to free agency in a few weeks, including Nick Chubb unless an extension gets agreed to. For Kevin Stefanski’s offense to be running on all cylinders (pun intended), the ground game absolutely has to get better than it was in 2024.
Oregon RB Jordan James is a player who could be on the Browns’ radar heading into draft weekend due to his patience, power, and pass-blocking ability. He’s one of the more “complete” ball-carriers that could be available on day three of the NFL Draft.
Name
Jordan James
Position
Running Back
Height/Weight
5’10”, 210 lbs. (Unofficial)
College
University of Oregon
2024 Stats: 14 games: 233 atts., 1267 yards, 5.4 ypc, 15 TDs, 26 recs., 209 rec. yards
Career: 38 games: 386 atts., 2215 yards, 5.7 ypc, 31 TDs, 42 recs., 347 yards, 1 TD
Relative Athletic Score
N/A. Will update once athletic testing is performed.
Average “Big Board” Position As of Publishing Date from Mock Draft Database
The Draft Network’s Grade/Round Value
Day 3
What an Expert is Saying
“Physical runner with a compact frame and lower center of gravity. James punches way above his weight class when it comes to breaking tackles and doling out punishment, but his ability to suddenly cut and change direction should not be minimized. He plays fast but lacks patience to allow his blocks to develop.
Early success on runs over the tackle can eventually lead to collision finishes, where he ducks his eyes instead of seeking to find a cut or move. James lacks finesse, but his ability to get tough yards could create draft value as a RB3 with a chance to develop into a larger role in time.” - Lance Zierlein, NFL Network Draft Analyst
Fit with the Browns
Jordan James gives off some “Kareem Hunt” vibes when it comes to his play style and 3rd-down ability.
He’d be a great complimentary back for Cleveland in short-yardage situations due to his power and consistent leg drive when running between the tackles. James doesn’t have game-breaking speed but he’s fast enough to outrun linebackers at the 2nd level.
Browns Player Drafting Could Impact
Seeing that the running back room will most likely be depleted in a few weeks, the team will essentially have to rebuild the position group from scratch.
This could end up being a good thing for Cleveland in terms of getting a slew of new faces in the running back room this summer to help jumpstart the run game. James would impact anybody that Cleveland brings in to compete in a “power back” role in 2025.
Priority
Medium - High.
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