Around the Web: What are Draft experts saying about Cory James?

Welcome to the second edition of “What are they saying,” our new piece in which we take a look at what media outlets around the web and newsstands are saying about the potential “Next Level Rams.” Unlike Rashard Higgins, most of the other potential “Next Level Rams” are not receiving the same amount of publicity. After having given our in house scouting report on linebacker Cory James, it’s time to see what other outlets think of him.

The most extensive and detailed scouting reports of James from around the web is on NFL.com written by Lance Zierlein:

“One of the more consistent playmakers in the country over the past four years, James has flown under the radar a bit playing in Fort Collins for the Rams. He received well-deserved recognition after his senior year, as Mountain West coaches voted him second-team All-Conference as he had double-digit tackles for loss (10 of 65 tackles, with two sacks) for the third time in four seasons as a starter. James was named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America (54 stops, 10.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks) and produced in both his sophomore (60 tackles, 12 for loss, eight sacks) and junior (51 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks) seasons.”

STRENGTHS: Used as an edge rusher in obvious passing downs during his time at Colorado State. Rushes with upfield burst and is able to dip and bend under the arc to attack the passer. Made switch to middle linebacker in this year and improved along the way. Athletic in space and accelerates into his tackles. Flashes awareness needed to weave under traffic and find running backs.

WEAKNESSES: Raw with technique in the middles. Struggled to understand proper leverage to the sideline. Inconsistent in his play following a splash play with a mental mistake. Will make a wrong read and lose his run fit. Slow to drop into space in coverage. Needs to play with a decisive punch to stay separated from blockers and keep from being engulfed. Play strength is average.

BOTTOM LINE: James moved to middle linebacker this season, but that isn’t where he will be cast by NFL teams. James posted 15.5 sacks combined in 2013 and 2014 and has the flexibility and quickness that makes him an interesting edge rushing candidate. James isn’t consistent enough to warrant time on an NFL field yet, but his athleticism and potential to get after the passer gives him a puncher’s chance.”

The one other Draft guide that gave a scouting report of James was the 2016 Pro Football Draft® Guide. First thing of note from the Guide is that they rank James amongst the 3-4 outside linebackers, a role that many think James is too undersized for. They rank him as the 17th best player at the position. Interestingly enough, James is ranked 17th just behind another pass rushing standout from the Mountain West, Ian Seau, who CSU fans are sure to remember from his hellish start against the Rams in the Bowl game last year.

Here is Pro Football Draft® Guide’s scouting report:

“Although he moved to inside LB last year, James’ strength is using his quickness and flexibility to rush off the edge. He’s extremely raw and won’t set the edge effectively, but if he can prove his special-teams value, he’s likely to stick around as a developmental prospect.”

Both scouting reports are very complimentary of James’ ability to rush the passer with his speed and raw athleticism. Yet, neither Lance Zierlien nor the Pro Football Draft Guide seemed to intrigued by James’ tools in coverage, a potentially criminally underrated aspect of his game. James’ production in pass rushing situations is undeniable, especially when you combine it with his impressive athletic testing numbers. His ability to develop and prove his ability in the other facets of his game will be essential to his NFL success.

Don’t forget to read our scouting report of James here.