Raiders 2019 UDFA scouting report: Andre James has explosiveness, but needs to bulk up

Andre James, T/G, UCLA

Measurables

6’4”, 299 lbs

5.32 40 yard dash

21 bench reps

29” vertical jump

105” broad jump

4.84 20-yard shuttle

8.00 3-cone

Stats

2018: Started all 12 games at left tackle

2017: Started all 13 games at right tackle

2016: Started 7 games at right tackle

2015: Redshirt season

Awards

2018: Awarded game ball after the UCLA Bruins beat the Arizona Wildcats on October 20, after he had lost his father to cancer earlier in the week.

Strengths

Has the frame necessary to play offensive line in the NFL, but needs to add some weight. Possesses the explosive type of athleticism that offensive line coach Tom Cable looks for. Good football IQ allows for the recognition and identification of targets, has power when he is able to square up with opponents and maintain position.

Weaknesses

While James possesses explosiveness required for success in performing cut blocks in the zone blocking scheme, he lacks the foot speed to play tackle against athletic edge rushers in the NFL. That lack of speed is also why he has trouble getting to the second level, and he can be a hit or miss blocker who has a habit of lunging.

Verdict

James has the frame to potentially play in the NFL, but he will need to work on improving his athleticism while also adding weight, which could prove difficult. At just 22 years old he has time to develop further, but due to lacking both size and athleticism, is likely to be both outmatched and overpowered by many NFL defensive linemen. He has both a natural fluidity in his movement and demonstrates the explosiveness displayed in his vertical and broad jump at the combine. However, his footwork needs improvement, and his change of direction is at times painful.

Fit With Raiders

James seems a long shot to make the roster at this point, but with the competition at left guard wide open, and plenty of time between now and training camp, anything is possible. He plays a position at which the Raiders have a need, and college teammate Kolton Miller showed significant improvement in technique between the draft and the opening of training camp, so the question becomes how much time and effort James will put into addressing his areas of need between now and late July.