Player Profile: Ja'Wuan James

Height:  6'6
Weight:  311
School:  Tennessee
Position:  Offensive Tackle
Ranking:  #7 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  Top 50

Strengths
-Experienced.  Started every game since true freshman year
-Ideal height (6'6) and weight (311) for a tackle in the NFL
-Does a good job of using his length (35" arms) to keep defenders off his body
-Uses good footwork to mirror defenders and keep them in front
-Does a good job of redirecting and adjusting to the pass rush
-Has a good base which allows him to anchor in and not get pushed back off his spot
-Uses active heavy hands to knock defenders back
-Understands how to use his body to shield defenders off and overwhelm smaller defenders
-Able to get to the second level and make a block
-Durable. No injury issues to speak of

Weaknesses
-Only played RT at Tennessee.  Can he play LT?
-Will cross legs or turn his shoulders when having to do a deep drop in pass protection
-Isn't an over powering blocker. Doesn't drive defenders off their spot
-Strength is an issue.  Soft upper body.
-Struggles vs quick defenders.  Can get beat by quick moves inside
-Tends to be a waist bender, not a knee bender.  Causes balance issues
-Will tend to grab when run blocking.  Could be called for holding a lot
-Only an average athlete for the position. Doesn't show much explosion
-Struggles in the run game. A wall off blocker only

Summary
When you think about Tennessee offensive lineman you probably think of Antonio "Tiny" Richardson.  But it's Ja'Wuan James who people should be talking about.  He's the Volunteers best offensive lineman and will easily go higher than Richardson.  James is at his best when he's pass blocking.  He isn't a great athlete but instead uses his size and length to keep defenders off his body, while his footwork allows him to stick with defenders as they make their pass rushing moves.  James lack of athleticism shows up when he has to take a deep drop and will lung or turn his shoulders which can cause him to get beat.  Now for as good as he is in the pass game, he really doesn't offer much as a run blocker.  His lack of power and strength doesn't allow him to create a push on defenders.  Instead he's a wall off blocker who uses position to open up holes and occupy blockers.  Just by watching James play you have to wonder why he played right tackle all four years instead of playing the left side since he was their best tackle?  He looks like he could make the switch and if an NFL team thinks the same he could go higher than expected.  But look for him to go somewhere in the mid to early second round to a team that needs a plug and play right tackle.  Carolina, Miami, and Atlanta are all logical landing spots in that area.