DJ James NFL Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback School: AuburnHeight: 6’0″
Weight: 175 lbs
Age: 23 years old
Arm: 31″
Hand: 8 3/8″
40 yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
War Eagle!! Are you all here across Jordan Hare Stadium as the Auburn Tigers storm the field? The Tigers have had some excellent NFL prospects in the past, but it is still an underrated program. Their secondary is the most underrated part of their football teams throughout the years. Carlton Davis, Roger McCreary, Jamel Dean, and Jonathan Jones are four of the best corners in the NFL. In the 2024 NFL Draft, there is another Auburn stud named DJ James. James was a three-star recruit out of Stonefort, Alabama, and committed to Oregon. By his third season at Oregon, James was a full-time starter. James transferred to Auburn, becoming an all-sec performer and now an NFL Draft pick. Where does DJ James stack against his defensive back peers? Let’s dig into the film.
DJ James Player Evaluation
James’s Strengths
- It has good height and length and a good frame to add strength and bulk.
- He has very fluid hips and quick feet in transitions and backpedals. He is one of the best man-to-man corners in the draft. He is a star in press-man coverage and can keep up with any receiver in the slot.
- He plays with good leverage and good pad level while covering WRS. A true technician
- He is a good athlete to keep on the outside. If he can add weight without losing athleticism, a real discussion can be had about keeping him outside.
- He is not afraid of the ball in the air. He rarely panics and tracks the football to separate the ball from the receiver.
- He has controlled aggression and good athleticism to play off it with his elite short-area quickness.
- The last three years have gotten interceptions, five total in his college career. In the previous two years, with 18 pass deflections, he gets his hands on the football.
- He played vs. certified SEC competition and did more than hold his own.
James’s Weakness
- Only 175 pounds are needed to gain 15-20 pounds to handle the punishment of the NFL corner.
- Willing tacklers but vs. more prominent runners tend to make business decisions or struggle due to miniature size.
- He has good but not elite makeup speed, which can get him in trouble on the outside due to his aggressive nature.
- Major question mark. Can he keep his athleticism after gaining weight?
- They can be over-aggressive in the press. The man could draw some flags.
Projection: Second Round Pick
NFL Comparison: Roger Mccreay
Best Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the New York Giants
Bottom Line
DJ James is an intriguing talent who should start as a day one starting NFL nickel corner. The slot corner position has evolved into a very important position. More and more teams are going to three comprehensive receiver sets, and slot corners have to play the run and pass. Suppose not; your team suffers defeat, guaranteed. James is a certified press-man corner who will thrive in the slot, especially once he’s added strength. James’s pro comparison is that of Titans slot corner Roger Mccreay. Both came from Auburn and had great man technique and quick feet/hips. Expect DJ James to make a positive impact in the NFL. Main Photo: [Scott Clause/USA Today Network] – USA Today SportsMore must-reads: