2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Oregon Ducks RB LaMichael James Could be a Game Changer Despite Size (Video)

Senior Writer

The 2012 NFL Draft isn’t necessarily loaded with running back talent, though a guy like Trent Richardson certainly is worthy of a first-round pick. After that, the talent doesn’t really fall off, but the traditional characteristics sure do.

Enter Oregon running back LaMichael James.

James is definitely not known for his bruising power, but is thought of as more of a finesse runner. His reputation is “now you see him, now you don’t.” He hits his spot, and he is gone.

But that is a huge misnomer.

While he only stands at 5'9" and 185 pounds, James showed in 2011 he can be a physical runner between the tackles. Just because he ran out of the spread formation doesn’t mean he shies away from contact. His smaller than average stature should not be cause for alarm.

Although the common "runs behind his pads" phrase doesn't apply to James, he will lower his shoulder and run through tacklers if he needs to. His lower body is exceptionally strong, which allows him to keep his feet moving and fight for extra yards; rarely is James taken down on first impact.

Other than the lack of traditional between-the-tackles running back talent in this year’s draft, there are a couple things that will have teams taking a serious look at James in the third or fourth round.

First, he is versatile.

James can be the workhorse and carry the load for a team if needed. He had 247 carries for just over 1,800 yards in 2011, averaging 7.3 yards per carry with 18 touchdowns. He added 17 receptions for 210 yards and a touchdown, as well as returning 15 punts for 139 yards. He compiled these stats while missing a couple games due to an elbow injury.

His receiving statistics are not earth-shattering by any stretch of the imagination, but his ball skills are. He catches the ball with his hands, which should impress scouts. He is willing to go over the middle as well as up the sideline, and his hand-eye coordination is impeccable.

Second, because of his versatility, he has been compared to New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles, who was probably the biggest free agent acquisition of the season. Sproles has shown that size doesn’t always matter for a running back. Instead, shiftiness, quickness and the ability to contribute to more than just running between the tackles is a huge factor in today’s NFL; and James can be that good.

The Oregon back can be this year’s Dexter McCluster, who went to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010, or C.J. Spiller, drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2011. They have shown that speed kills and smaller guys can be durable.

James is a guy who, if picked in a later round, will be a steal for any team looking to add a multi-dimensional player to its roster. He has the ability to make an impact immediately for any NFL squad.

The only knock on him may be learning to run in a more traditional offense, depending on which team takes him. But, again, should he struggle with any concepts in the backfield, he can still contribute in other ways to help a team succeed. He can return kicks or be used as a wideout--sort of a Reggie Bush clone when he was with the Saints.

So, it’s true James has limited size compared to traditional NFL running backs. But, his versatility makes up for it in so many other facets of the game. Whichever team happens to land him will not be disappointed.

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