Jordan James NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for San Francisco 49ers RB

The San Francisco 49ers selected Oregon RB Jordan James with the No. 147 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Jordan James is a versatile running back with a squatty, bowling ball-esque build. 

James runs behind his pads with good contact balance. He has a good feel for space to brace for contact as defenders diverge upon him. James pinballs off would-be tacklers well and keeps moving forward with momentum. He is adept at running through arm tackles and powering past the initial wave of defenders. 

He attacks the line of scrimmage with good vision. James identifies potential running lanes and can change course quickly with jump cuts. He finds and hits small creases well to get what is blocked up by his offensive line. He displays the versatility to fit both gap and zone-blocking schemes. 

Jordan James Highlights

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In the passing game, James is an effective and functional shallow-level receiver out of the backfield. He offers screen game upside in space. 

James’ athletic profile will not wow or blow anyone’s mind. He’s above-average in that regard. He doesn’t offer elite-tier burst/acceleration through the line of scrimmage. James isn't likely to win many footraces to the edges against athletic NFL linebackers and second-level defenders. His drop rate is also high, which he'll need to improve upon to be viewed as a potential three-down RB. 

Overall, James offers an enticing skill set as a ball-carrier. He has great vision, contact balance and the ability to finish runs. He has a nose for the end zone and will drive his legs to put points on the board. James projects as an RB3 with the talent to climb the depth chart into a more prominent role with proper development. 

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 5'9½"

WEIGHT: 205

HAND: 9½"

ARM: 29¾"

WINGSPAN: 73¾"

40-YARD DASH: 4.55

BROAD: 9'9"

POSITIVES

— Strong bowling-ball frame with a low center of gravity.

— Good contact balance to stay upright and move forward.

— Vision to find and hit small creases/running lanes.

— Quick-footed alley runner to cut against defensive leverage.

NEGATIVES

— Possesses only above-average athletic ability.

— Burst and explosion through the line of scrimmage is modest at best.

— Inconsistent hands catcher; posted a drop rate of 14 percent over the last two seasons.

NOTES

— Born March 29, 2004

— 4-star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024 All-Big Ten Second Team; Doak Walker Award watch list

GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 100

POSITION RANK: RB8

PRO COMPARISON: DeVonta Freeman

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson