Assessing Jordan James' performance at the 2024 NFL Combine
Assessing Jordan James' performance at the 2024 NFL Combine
The 2025 NFL Combine continued for the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, with junior running back Jordan James hitting the field for some drills and getting his measurables taken.
While other Ducks like Derrick Harmon and Terrance Ferguson have solidified — and potentially improved — their draft stock this weekend in Indianapolis, James's results were not what he or pro scouts were looking for. His results weren't awful, but compared to the other running backs in the class, none of James's combine results measure up.
NFL.com gives James a prospect grade of 6.16 (on an eight-point scale) which, according to NFL.com's rankings, means he will be a "Good backup with the potential to develop into starter."
It was a so-so performance on Saturday, but this certainly isn't the end of the world for James. At Oregon, James compiled three seasons of impressive film, with his speed and immense strength for an RB always on full display.
Here's a look at all of James' numbers from the day:
Measurables
Height: 5 feet 9.5-inches
Weight: 205 pounds
Hand Size: 9 1/2 inches
Arm Length: 29 3/4''
40-yard Dash
Time: 4.55 seconds
Rank at Position: 18th of 24 Players
Comparatively, Jordan James' 40-yard dash finish was not great, ending up in the bottom quarter of combine RBs. A time of 4.55 seconds is not bad, but when the majority of the group lands somewhere in the 4.4-range — with a few 4.3s — it doesn't impress.
James will have a chance to improve his time at Oregon's pro day before the draft, but it's unlikely he'll improve his time by more than a few hundredths of a second.
10-Yard Split
Official Split Time: 1.62 seconds
Rank at Position: T23rd of 24 Players
While his 40-time isn't what he was looking for, James's 10-yard split was probably his most disappointing result of the day. While the 40 assesses a player's top speed, the 10-yard split is a measure of their burst — something so important for every running back.
The times here are marginal, with Bhayshul Tuten, the top finisher, splitting a 1.49 and James, tying for last place, splitting a 1.62, but there are still 22 names ahead of James on the scoreboard. It's not the end of the world for Oregon's former RB, but his 40-yard dash runs and splits certainly aren't positives.
Vertical Jump
James elected not to participate in the vertical jump.
Broad Jump
Official Measurement: 9'9"
Rank at Position: T20th of 23 players
After a disappointing speed drill section, James didn't have the most fulfilling broad jump either, finishing under 10 feet and in a four-way tie for last place. This is another drill where the results are so marginal. Quinshon Judkins was the top broad jumper at 11-feet — just 15 inches more than James, but those 15 inches can make a big difference to scouts.
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