Jordan James NFL Draft Scouting Report & Fantasy Football Outlook

Jordan James emerged as a powerful and productive back during his three-year career at Oregon, highlighted by a 1,267-yard, 15-touchdown season in 2024. His physical running style, short-area quickness, and goal-line effectiveness make him an intriguing mid-round prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Jordan James Fantasy Football Outlook

Over three seasons with the Ducks, James rushed for 2,215 yards and 31 touchdowns on 386 carries, along with action catching the ball (42/347/1). His highlight season came in 2024 (233/1,267/15 with 26 catches for 209 yards and no scores). He gained 5.4 yards per carry last year, compared to 7.1 YPC in a rotational role in 2023.

Jordan James was more efficient than Bucky Irving while sharing a backfield at Oregon.

Highest EPA per rush among RBs with 100+ attempts pic.twitter.com/C5oT112STM
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) April 9, 2025

James ran a 4.55 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. At 5’9” and 205 lbs., he pressed the line of scrimmage with purpose while relying on power rather than finesse in the heat of battle. His path to winning lanes is helped by agility in traffic, which creates an escape route. James needs to become more patient to earn a more significant role at the NFL level. Despite offering potential in pass protection, his value in passing will be minimal out of the gate.

Oregon gave him plenty of chance on inside runs, and James showed value at the goal line and in short-yardage situations. His short area quickness masks some of his weakness in speed compared to the top running backs in this year’s draft class. He creates contact with his head and shoulders at the end of some runs that may not play out well in the NFL.

James projects to get drafted after the third round in the 2025 NFL Draft.