DJ James listed as a top 10 cornerback in college football

DJ James is one of the best cornerbacks in the nation this season.

The Oregon transfer came into Auburn last season and showed out, proving to be one of if not the most valuable piece the Tigers' had on defense.

According to NFL Draft rankings, James is the No. 7 cornerback in the 2024 class. The ranking may be a little low, but there's no denying he's one of the best in the game right now.

Pro Football Focus has James slotted at No. 7 in their cornerback rankings. Per PFF's breakdown of James, "he recorded an 85.7 overall coverage grade and a 73.1 single coverage grade. He also racked up 10 forced incompletions due to how often he is in receivers’ hip pockets. As you would expect from a player who ranks in just the 1st percentile in weight, he lacks some strength in his game, but he doesn’t show that in his demeanor... James also has fantastic change-of-direction ability with lightning-quick feet, fluid hips and the long speed to open up down the sideline. His favorite trait of mine is how calm and patient he is in his backpedal, hardly fooled by the hand and shoulder deception of receivers out of their releases."