TFY Draft Preview Profile: Erasmus James

What do the draft experts think of defensive end Erasmus James and how his skills will transfer to the next level?

Erasmus James School: Wisconsin
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 266 40: 4.85 Year: 5Sr

Bio: Three-year starter coming off a breakout senior campaign. Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after posting 36/11.5/8. Sat out the 2003 campaign with a hip injury after posting 57/8/4 the prior year.

Positives: Excellent athlete making a big move up draft boards. Quick off the snap, plays low with leverage and immediately alters his angle of attack. Fluid moving up and down the line of scrimmage, redirects to the action and displays great range. Rarely off his feet and collapses outside-in to defend the run. Plays with excellent balance, fast off the edge and effective dropped off the line of scrimmage. Good speed to the sidelines and always working to get involved in the action. Solid hand technique fighting blocks.

Negatives: Handled at the point by a single blocker and has difficulty if opponents run straight at him.

Analysis: A disruptive force who opponents game-plan around, James combines athletic skills with intensity to force the action up the field. Answered a lot of questions last year and has gone from a possible first-day pick to a potential top-15 selection.