I'll be damned. Guess Cerrato wasn't kidding when they said they like adding guys who have experience with the coaching staff. Oh well we got the fan base screaming
low risk, high reward, which is true but when 45 people say it like they're the first ones to notice, it gets annoying.
Anyway even though this falls under the fans acting like kids in the cereal aisle with "
this guy was released lets get him, or this guy this guy and this guy how about that guy mom I want him he's a 1st round pick buy me a country" its still nice to have some news at this point, and on top of that it's not the type that makes me say what were they thinking, kind of like my initial reaction during the draft or the signing of a deviant like Mathis, but I guess that balanced out when they signed the equally righthous JT Mapu, because you know thats how the world works.
In other news we've lost mini-Strahan aka Dorian Smith as a result. Fire Cerrato.
Also Scouting report from 2005. Things to notice:
1. 8 sacks his senior year
2. His nickname is the eraser
3. Durability concerns
Strengths: Has adequate overall size, a terrific frame and the potential to get bigger. Has a powerful upper body. Knocks offensive linemen back upon initial contact. Is athletic and smooth. Has the COD skills to work back inside as a pass rusher. Has long arms and has learned to use them well. Has shown much improved array of pass rush moves. Is quicker than fast. Has very good anticipation and initial quickness. Fires off the ball quickly and with good leverage Has good instincts and does a fine job of locating the ball. Is disciplined for such a productive pass rusher. Does a good job of keeping contain. Played with a much higher motor in 2004. Fights through double teams and shows terrific stamina. Shows very good closing burst to the quarterback. Is a powerful tackler that also has improved in terms of wrapping up in space. Will chase and pursue versus the run.
Weaknesses: Lack of ideal base is a concern. Still needs to improve lower body strength. Must be able to hold his ground better at the POA in the NFL. Has adequate top-end speed for an edge rusher but not elite. Won't be able to turn the corner as easily in the NFL. Durability is a severe concern.
Overall: James improved his draft value as much or more than any other prospect in the 2005 class as a senior in 2004. After sitting out the entire 2003 season with a hip injury there were lots of questions about James' durability, shape, explosiveness and strength. With 34 total tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 10-of-11 regular season games played in 2004, the fifth-year senior put a lot of those fears to rest. James did miss one game in 2004 due to an ankle injury but it was not serious and he showed no ill effects from the previous season's hip injury. James lacks elite top-end speed and he still must improve his bulk and lower body strength, but his improvement as a senior shocking. He played with better technique, a much higher motor, showed more power at the POA and also showed much more explosive burst when closing in on the quarterback/ball carrier. He could slip a little bit due to his durability concerns but James played his way into the first round of the upcoming draft.
* Player biographies are provided by
Scouts Inc.
More Recent Scouting Report:
2007 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 62 |
Key
Alert: EI
Comment: James brings tremendous potential having shown flashes of explosive ability as a pure pass rusher especially the second half of his rookie season finishing with four sacks, two passes defended and 29 combined tackles only to tear his ACL early in his second season. James brings an explosive first step, terrific edge speed and excellent athleticism in the pass rush. His lateral explosiveness may be affected following his knee surgery as well as his change of direction skills. James has impressive football instincts along with body control and outstanding use of his hands that help him both separate from blockers and win in pass rush situations. James compensates for being undersized playing with good knee bend and leverage, yet versus the run he struggles to hold point and cannot anchor against bigger offensive linemen. This lack of bulk and strength is a liability especially when opponents attack his edge in the run game. The major question will be how this young athlete whose game depends on speed, quickness and athleticism will return from major knee surgery.