James Daniels NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Chicago Bears' Pick
April 27, 2018
POSITIVES
—Smooth, athletic, fluid interior-line prospect with experience at guard and center.
—Quick and balanced with excellent body control on the move.
—Technically sound in terms of angles and hand placement; can be unstoppable on angle blocks.
—Fast enough to seal off players at the second level.
—Patient in pass protection where his athleticism shows as he closes down rushing lanes off his shoulders.
NEGATIVES
—Lack of size (6'3", 306 lbs) may cause him to be a fit in a zone scheme only.
—Needs to add strength, especially in his lower body.
—Will get rocked back occasionally when asked to sit and anchor against a strong bull rush.
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OVERALL
If your team runs a zone-blocking scheme and needs a center, James Daniels is your guy. He's smooth and athletic, which allows him to reach defenders most centers can't. He needs to add strength, but Daniels is an immediate starter with a high ceiling.
GRADE: 7.00 (Round 1)
PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers