James is a one-cut linear runner with average burst. He's a one-speed runner who lacks the extra gear to pull away from defenders in the second level. James won't rip many long runs in the NFL, as it wasn't even part of his game in college (151st in breakaway rate in 2024). He has decent short-area agility and can make people miss with well-timed jump cuts. Despite his thick lower half, James isn't a powerful rusher. James is a check-down option in the passing game with questionable hands. With only 53 collegiate targets, James earned seven drops and didn't impress on a per-route basis, with only 0.95 yards per route run in college.