The San Francisco 49ers selected Oregon running back Jordan James with the ninth pick (No. 147 overall) in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
NFL Scouting Combine:
At the NFL Scouting Combine, James posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds and a broad jump of 9 feet, 9 inches.
Measurements:
James is 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds. Additionally, he boasts an arm length of 29 3/4 inches and hands measuring 9 1/2 inches.
Hometown:
Nashville, TN
College Statistics:
James carried the football 233 times for 1,267 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, adding 26 receptions for 209 yards through 14 games as a senior in 2024, per Sports Reference. Over his three collegiate seasons, he had 2,215 rushing yards on 386 attempts and 31 rushing touchdowns, adding 42 receptions for 347 yards and a receiving touchdown.
| Statistical Rundown | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Y/A | TD | |||||||||
| 2022 | Oregon | Pac-12 | FR | RB | 10 | 46 | 189 | 4.1 | 5 | |||||||||
| 2023 | Oregon | Pac-12 | SO | RB | 14 | 107 | 759 | 7.1 | 11 | |||||||||
| 2024 | Oregon | Big Ten | SR | RB | 14 | 233 | 1,267 | 5.4 | 15 | |||||||||
| Total | 38 | 386 | 2,215 | 5.7 | 31 | |||||||||||||
Lance Zierlein's NFL.com scouting report:
Physical runner with a compact frame and lower center of gravity. James punches way above his weight class when it comes to breaking tackles and doling out punishment, but his ability to suddenly cut and change direction should not be minimized. He plays fast but lacks patience to allow his blocks to develop. Early success on runs over the tackle can eventually lead to collision finishes, where he ducks his eyes instead of seeking to find a cut or move. James lacks finesse, but his ability to get tough yards could create draft value as a RB3 with a chance to develop into a larger role in time.
Lance Zierlein's Player Comparison:
Dameon Pierce
NFL.com Draft Bio:
- 2022: Played in 10 games as a reserve (46-189-4.1, 5 TDs rushing; 1-6-6.0 receiving).
- 2023: Tied for the team lead with 11 rushing TDs. Would have ranked fifth in the FBS with 7.1 yards per carry but did not have enough carries to qualify. Played in all 14 games as a reserve (107-759 rushing; 15-132-8.8, TD receiving).
- 2024: Second-team All-Big Ten Conference. Led team with 1,267 rushing yards (233 carries, 5.4 per), 15 rushing TDs. Started all 14 games (26-209-8.0 receiving).
Pre-Draft Grade:
James earned a pre-draft grade of 6.17 from NFL.com, which equates to a "good backup with potential to develop into a starter," per the site's 8-point grading scale.
Projection:
NFL.com projected James to be a fourth-round draft pick.
Pro Football Focus Draft Profile:
James was a four-star recruit out of Nashville, Tennessee, choosing Oregon over offers from Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. As a sophomore, he served as the Ducks' No. 2 back behind Bucky Irving, flashing brilliance in that role—his 94.8 rushing grade led all FBS backs. Once Irving departed for the NFL, where he had a stellar rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, James took full advantage of the starting job, earning a 90.9 rushing grade, which tied for seventh in the nation.
As his elite grades suggest, James is a no-nonsense runner who takes care of the football while maximizing his yardage. At this stage, he projects as an early-down back due to his inconsistent hands and lack of experience in pass protection. While he isn't an elite athlete, he is an efficient runner capable of succeeding in any scheme within a committee.
Pro Football Focus Big Board:
James ranks 215th on Pro Football Focus' big board.
Pro Football Focus Grading:
James earned an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 86.2 in 2024.
NFL Draft Buzz Summary:
James profiles as an immediate contributor in a committee backfield with clear potential to develop into more. His combination of decisive running style, tackle-breaking ability, and exceptional burst through the hole will translate immediately to NFL game speed, particularly in zone-blocking schemes where his one-cut ability will shine.
The limited receiving production and pass protection concerns will initially restrict his third-down usage, but there's enough natural athleticism to suggest growth in these areas. Teams utilizing heavy inside zone concepts like Baltimore, Cleveland, or Green Bay would maximize his talents immediately while developing his complete skill set. His fresh legs and limited college usage represent significant appeal for teams seeking running back value in the middle rounds.
While not likely to emerge as a bell-cow back early in his career, James brings day-one rotational value with potential to develop into a high-end committee back or low-end starter by his second season. His ability to convert in short-yardage and goal-line situations while providing explosive play potential makes him an ideal complementary piece in today's running back-by-committee NFL landscape.