FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Oregon running back Jordan James. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jordan James
Jordan James (RB – Oregon)
5-foot-10 | 210 Pounds
Background
Jordan James was a four-star recruit who rotated in lightly as a freshman (189 rushing yards) before becoming a more regular part of the rotation the following season and posting 107-759-11 (7.1). Took over a starting role this past year and put together an impressive season of 233-1,267-15 (5.4) before declaring for the draft.
Positives
Has been very effective the past two seasons in the Ducks’ balanced rushing attack, with escalating output. Has a reasonably thick, squatty build with a low center of gravity. Teams will appreciate his no-nonsense approach to running the ball; doesn’t waste a lot of time hitting the hole. Shows a pretty good burst in the hole and does a nice job of generating momentum to finish his runs by falling forward.
James’ smooth acceleration allows him to get to the edge on off-tackle and stretch plays, with a solid vision to recognize and hit cutback lanes on single-cut concepts. Makes crisp cuts in the backfield, and has enough agility to make defenders miss one-on-one with his jump cuts. Flexible player who’s able to twist and pick up a couple of extra yards off of glancing blows. Ball security is excellent, without a fumble on 386 career carries. Shows a good willingness to stick his nose in as a pass protector, with solid lower-body strength to absorb power.
Negatives
Despite his natural leverage, James isn’t the most powerful back or biggest pile-pusher and probably won’t break a ton of tackles. Contact balance is closer to average. There are some plays on tape where a little bit more balance could have resulted in a much bigger gain. His initial acceleration is solid, but he doesn’t have a ton of long speed. Only rushed for a gain of over 25 yards once this past season.
Projects as more of a reliable gainer with the potential for the occasional chunk. Not a very reliable receiver, with five drops this past season and seven total against 42 career catches. His usage was that of a pure check-down/safety valve. Lapses into throwing a shoulder in blitz pickup, rather than engaging with his hands, and lacks significant experience in that role.
Summary
A compact, relatively thickly built runner who runs with decisiveness to minimize negative-yardage plays. James also shows good flexibility, crisp cutting ability and a solid burst in the hole to execute plays as called and pick up the yardage that’s blocked for him.
At the same time, James is more of a chunk gainer who lacks the ideal speed, power and balance to turn many average gains into big plays, and who hasn’t shown a ton of value on passing downs. Profiles as a rotational back who can protect the football and minimize negative-yardage plays. Will probably come off the board in the mid-to-late rounds.
Projection: Round 5/Round 6
Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports 
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Jeanty proved he’s the total package this past season, with an unbelievable combination of vision, patience, creativity, agility, power, balance and speed that nearly allowed him to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Can fit in any offensive scheme, but might be best in a scheme that runs a relatively high amount of outside zone to maximize his home-run hitting ability. After a year in which he dazzled viewers with a nonstop succession of dominant highlights, Jeanty should be a lock for the first round, potentially going in the top half of the frame. Projects as a long-term, every-down feature back who should make an immediate impact.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ashton Jeanty
Skattebo was one of the most productive and exciting players in college football this past season. He combined a natural feel for the position, smooth running skills, a tough and physical temperament and exceptional contact balance, culminating in well over 2,000 total yards on the season.
There’s not a whole lot to critique about his game, besides his lack of ideal explosiveness and long speed. Otherwise, Skattebo has the look of a potential every-down back in the league or at least the power back in a one-two punch. Could get some second-day looks.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cam Skattebo
A fast, agile back with good burst and excellent open-field running skills, Neal functioned as a workhorse for the Jayhawks but might be more of a change-of-pace back at the next level, as he may struggle to grind out tough yardage between the tackles as a pro.
Neal’s snaps were relatively balanced throughout his career (more gap until this past season, then a little bit more zone), but might be better suited to a zone-blocking scheme where he’s able to stretch defenses out and cut upfield when he sees daylight. Probably more of a mid-round option.
Projection: Round 5
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Devin Neal
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
- DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
- Jordan James (Oregon)
- Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
- Brashard Smith (SMU)
- Damien Martinez (Miami)
- Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)
- Kalel Mullings (Michigan)
- LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse)
- Raheim Sanders (South Carolina)
- Phil Mafah (Clemson)
- Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
- Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
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