Auburn CB DJ James drafted No. 192 overall by the Seattle Seahawks
Multi-year starter at corner, DJ James, has been drafted in the 6th round by the Seattle Seahawks. James is the No. 192 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a recruit
On3 Industry Ranking (2019 Recruiting Class): No. 622 nationally, No. 56 CB, No. 23 Alabama
James earned Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game honors following his senior season at Spanish Fort High School in Mobile, Ala., grabbing first-team Class 6A all-state honors. James finished with six picks as a senior. Following high school, he chose Oregon over offers from Tennessee, Southern Miss, Florida, Nebraska and others. While at Oregon, James played three seasons, racking up 70 career tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups. Following the 2021 season, James transferred to Auburn via the transfer portal to finish his career.
James at Auburn
James tallied 147 tackles, five tackles for loss and five interceptions and 24 pass deflections during his three years at Oregon and two years at Auburn. Three of James’ interceptions and 18 of his 24 pass deflections happened in the last two years with the Tigers. Last season was solid across the board for James, racking up 38 tackles, recording 10 pass deflections and notching two picks.
Games of note: James tallied six tackles and an interception return for a touchdown against Western Kentucky in 2022. He also had five tackles and two pass breakups in the loss to Penn State at home last fall. James projects as a starter entering his senior season.
PFF Grades/NFL Combine
Pro Football Focus graded James as the No. 11 overall cornerback in college football last season when it comes to coverage ability. Only three other SEC cornerbacks were graded above James in terms of overall coverage production in 2023. James was named second-team All-SEC by PFF following the 2022 season.
James attended the NFL Combine and ran a 4.42 40-yard dash. James measured in at 6-foot and 175 pounds.
Strengths and weaknesses
STRENGTHS
- Instincts are outstanding, and James does an excellent job in route recognition.
- James has the straight-line speed to recover. His ball skills are tremendous, with good hands and the potential to take it to the house any time he gets his hands on the ball.
- Fluid mover with decent speed and his length allows him to cover effectively downfield
- He’s also very good in zone coverage, showing a great understanding of routes and the ability to close quickly.
- Has a nice blend of length, speed, and quickness. He’s at his best mirroring routes underneath, showing fluid movement skills and the ability to change directions on a dime.
- Tracks the ball well downfield and shows good ball skills, including the ability to go up and high-point it in contested-catch situations.
WEAKNESSES
- Grab-and-drag tackler who will struggle to make plays against running backs, and he’ll be susceptible to some catch-and-run plays against bigger receivers.
- Feet aren’t ideal, as James gets sloppy in his backpedal and can be sluggish when transitioning to close on the ball.
- Like a lot of collegiate corners, he has a tendency to get grabby, something that will have to be coached out of him.
