James White NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for Patriots RB

James White, RB, (HT: 5’9.125”, WT: 204 lbs)

New England Patriots

Fourth Round: 130th Pick

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
5'9.125"	204 lbs	29.25"	8.25"

40-yd dash	10-yd split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.57	1.57	32"	9'6"	7.05	4.20

Positives

• Demonstrates vision to find cutback lanes in space.
• Displays good lateral agility and fairly light and nimble feet. Can sidestep defenders and create yardage.
• Was utilized much more in the passing game as a senior when he caught 39 passes. Looked natural catching the ball at the Senior Bowl.
• Possesses a naturally low center of gravity that enables him to pinball off would-be tacklers and push forward for extra yardage.
• Can make himself skinny in the hole and avoid direct contact.
• Patient runner that will follow his blocks closely and wait for the play to develop.
• Is quick to make himself available out of the backfield on screen passes.
• Generally does a nice job of running north-south.
• Excellent ball security; is a reliable player that does not fumble often.
• Has special teams experience both on coverage units and as a kick returner.
• Can make defenders miss in the open field.
• Willing blocker who has shown the ability to identify and pick up the blitz. He has also shown the feet to mirror defenders.
• Experienced a very productive college career despite fighting for time in a crowded Badgers backfield.
• Fairly durable. Missed only one game due to injury during his college career.

Negatives

• Lacks ideal size at only 5’9", 204 pounds without much growth potential.
• Very small hands and short arms, measuring 8.5” and 29.25”, respectively.
• By no means is he a bruising or powerful runner. May have a hard time pushing the pile at the next level.
• Does not have breakaway speed to compensate for his lack of size. Ran an average 4.57 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, per NFL.com.
• Can be guilty of dancing in the backfield, looking very tentative when his running lanes are congested.
• Could benefit from more consistent pad level, running low behind his pads.
• A bit of a body catcher.
• Prone to being overpowered in pass protection. Technique requires refinement, as he does not extend his arms to keep defenders out of his body. He often leans and lunges.
• Does not gain significant yardage after contact, inconsistent leg drive.
• Primarily a complementary back to the more talented Montee Ball while at Wisconsin. It is tough to believe he will be anything more at the next level. Earned his first start as a senior.
• Had the luxury of playing behind one of the nation’s biggest and most physical run-blocking offensive lines.

Year	Team	Car	Yds	Avg	TD
2010	Wisconsin	156	1052	6.7	14
2011	Wisconsin	141	713	5.1	6
2012	Wisconsin	125	806	6.4	12
2013	Wisconsin	221	1444	6.5	13

Year	Team	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
2010	Wisconsin	11	88	8.0	0
2011	Wisconsin	15	150	10.0	0
2012	Wisconsin	6	132	21.2	1
2013	Wisconsin	39	300	7.7	2

Personal Notes

• Second-Team All-Big Ten 2013.
• Freshman of the Year 2010.
• Honorable mention All-Big Ten 2010.
• Related to Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss and free agent Sinorice Moss.
• Agricultural and life sciences major with a focus in communication.

Ratings Chart

nces.ed.gov

Overall

Largely overshadowed by talented runners such as Montee Ball and Melvin Gordon, White was consistently effective during his four seasons in Madison.

While undersized, he proved himself to be a reliable option capable of running outside, between the tackles or catching the ball out of the backfield.

Due to a lack of extraordinary speed or power, he looks to be a complementary player or backup at best.

Draft Projection: Seventh round or undrafted free agent