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Raiders Draft Prospect: CB D.J. James, Auburn

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 2/2/24

The Las Vegas Raiders are focused on the 2024 NFL Draft, looking for young talent to help them build a core under their new Antonio Pierce-Tom Telesco regime.

The Raiders are starting to build a coaching staff and will soon be able to evaluate many draft prospects, seeing who fits the culture they are trying to develop.

With the Shrine Bowl concluding and the Senior Bowl starting to wrap up, the draft process is beginning to roll along. Soon, prospects will participate in the NFL Scouting Combine and meet with coaches.

The Raiders will soon get a better feel for which players could fit with their team.

One of those players could be Auburn cornerback D.J. James. A five-year player who spent the first three seasons of his career at Oregon before finishing his career with the Tigers, James was named Second-Team All-SEC in 2022.

James wrapped up his college career with 147 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 24 passes defended, and five interceptions. He has lots of experience, playing in 49 career games. James just wrapped up a week of Senior Bowl practices in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

James is one of the thinnest cornerbacks in the draft at just 170 pounds. He stands at 5-foot-11 as well, but on tape, his length bothers wide receivers. He has long arms, which allow him to bother receivers at the line of scrimmage, and long legs, which allow him to cover ground.

James is one of the most underrated cornerback prospects in the draft. He may be the best coverage corner in the class because of his high IQ and athleticism. He has some of the best route recognition in the class, and his athleticism allows him to close on receivers quickly.

According to Pro Football Focus, James was targeted 52 times and allowed 32 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns. He led the SEC in forced incompletions with 15.

James’ small frame may cause problems for him at the next level, as he will struggle in the run game and get out-muscled by big-bodied receivers. He will have to add weight and muscle to succeed in the NFL. He may be bound as strictly a slot cornerback if he cannot.

James is projected to be a second-round selection. The Raiders could bank on his athleticism and IQ if they want to add him to their secondary.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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