The Minnesota Vikings have lacked a stalwart cornerback since Xavier Rhodes’ prime. Given Akayleb Evans‘ struggles and Mekhi Blackmon and Andrew Booth Jr.’s inexperience, adding players through the draft is their best option. And it’s a serious need — lack of quality CB play has been a constant shortcoming throughout Kevin O’Connell’s tenure.
Byron Murphy signed a two-year, $17.5 million contract this offseason, even though he has been inconsistent throughout his career. PFF ranked Murphy 60th out of 80 cornerbacks who played at least 600 snaps. He had the highest missed tackle rate in the league. That signing isn’t likely to change the fortunes of the secondary in 2024.
Enter Auburn’s D.J. James. Several scouts have ranked James between the ninth- and 12th-best cornerback in the 2024 draft. A team will likely take him late in the third or early in the fourth round.
James spent his first three years at Oregon, where he played in 25 total games, seven in his freshman season. In 2022, James transferred to Auburn, ending his college career with 147 total tackles and five interceptions. James posted his best year statistically in his final season at Auburn and probably would have been selected last year had he entered the draft.
In case you don’t believe me, check out this crazy statistic from James’ 2022 season at Auburn:
Only allowing six catches in man coverage is impressive, considering that Auburn was not a great team during James’ time as an Auburn Tiger. Auburn finished 5-7 and 6-7 in his two seasons. They were ranked 45th in total defense in 2023, allowing 4,643 total yards all season. The defense was not the issue last year.
That should be especially enticing for Brian Flores, who runs cover 0 at a rate of 11.5% (the league average is 4%).
Adding James should make Flores feel more comfortable blitzing because he can leave James on an island. This statistic alone should put James on the Vikings’ radar.
James has played five years of college football, but that shouldn’t detract from his prospect status. Blackmon also played five years of college football but broke out in his final collegiate season. Don’t let the stigma of fifth-year college football players deter you.
James’ five years of college football have helped him become a better player, but not in the way that you might expect. He has played college football since 2019 and has been in many different schemes, which will be a tremendous asset at the next level. His adaptability will make him more NFL-ready because he has shown that he can learn new schemes quickly.
However, there is a misconception that James can’t tackle and gets timid around ball carriers.
That criticism likely stems from a stereotype about players with a smaller frame. That can be a valid concern, but not because he can’t tackle or is timid. James is 5’11”, 170 lbs. Throughout his two years at Auburn, his play recognition and athleticism allowed him to make a difference in the open field consistently.
James’ frame shouldn’t be a concern because his football IQ complements his athleticism perfectly.
However, he does have a difficult time shaking tacklers. In college, James was athletic and fast enough to sprint past his blocker and make an impact, but that won’t be as easy for him in the pros. There is a huge difference between the skills of blockers, no matter the position, at the college level compared to the NFL. Getting off blocks is probably the biggest concern about James’ game.
Don’t be surprised if his stock rises the closer we get to the draft, especially after he shows off his athleticism at the NFL Combine. He turned heads at the Senior Bowl earlier in February.
Check out this near-perfect coverage James showed on a comeback route at the Senior Bowl; it’s one of the hardest routes to cover from the outside corner position. James’ hip movement and burst when he realizes what the wide receiver is doing is something you can’t teach.
James’ near interception below also emphasizes his closing speed and athleticism:
James is also a great teammate. He’s willing to be put in any position to help the team and is someone anyone would want in their locker room. The interview below will give you a great idea of who James is, his work ethic, and his versatility.
This Vikings simply cannot ignore the cornerback position this offseason. They need to invest some significant capital to firm up the secondary. It is, perhaps counterintuitively, an essential component of Flores’ blitz-heavy strategy. James could split the difference between addressing this need without not using a premium draft pick, of which Minnesota has all too few headed into the draft.
