James Daniels

in our view

The 2018 center class is a significantly better group than last year, which only resulted in five centers total being drafted. This class could double that with a few legitimate plug and play options. Daniels isn't necessarily one of them, needing to iron out some wrinkles in his game before he can be counted on as a full-time starter in the NFL. Due to his rare blend of body style and athleticism, however, it wouldn't be surprising to see him drafted earlier than most of his well-known peers as he possesses the highest upside of the bunch.

strengths

Still growing into his body but possesses ideal traits for the position including naturally thick frame with a powerful lower half and very long arms. Easy athleticism pops off the tape, showing excellent snap to step quickness to make difficult angle blocks as well as the burst to skate downfield to find secondary targets. Shows rare body control to adjust to moving targets with sticky hands to reach, snatch, control and sustain blocks through the whistle. Good agility and awareness in pass protection, as well, showing light feet and flexibility in his core to turn and adjust to surprise blitzes and stunts. Proper hand placement when helping his guards, delivering powerful jolts to the ribs and hips of opponents, occasionally knocking them off their feet. Plays with easy knee bend and possesses the core strength and long arms to anchor against bull rushers. Played in a pro-style offense, showing comfort with the quarterback taking the ball directly from him and firing accurate crisp snaps out of shotgun. Appears to be just scratching the surface of his potential. -- Rob Rang 1/11/2018

compares to

Rodney Hudson, Raiders - As a two-time All-American who stayed through his senior season at Florida State, Hudson was clearly more polished entering the NFL than Daniels. The 6-2, 300 pounder possesses a similar bowling ball-like frame as Daniels, however, as well as the quickness and power to be a difference-maker inside. Hudson has earned two Pro Bowl nods and a five year, $44.5 million dollar deal to leave the Chiefs (the franchise which selected him 55th overall back in 2011) for Oakland.

weaknesses

Not yet the sum of his parts. Is almost too quick to the second level, rushing downfield but failing to anticipate where defenders will be when he gets there, allowing savvy linebackers to slip past him entirely or failing to deliver the accurate pop to eliminate them from the play. Can get a little frenetic in his play, attempting to do too much and getting himself off-balance. Pad level rises as he tires and can get walked deep into the pocket when he loses the leverage battle, needing to continue to gain more core and upper body strength. Will occasionally leave his feet to attempt cut blocks but needs to do a better job of targeting the knees of opponents, coming in too low and failing to roll, allowing defenders to leap over him. Does come with some medical red-flags after missing three combined games (and numerous practices) with knee issues, wearing braces on both knees the past two years. - Rob Rang 1/11/2018

Earned all-state honorable mention honors as a junior and senior

earned Five Blocks of Granite Award as a senior

first-team All-Northeast Ohio as a junior and senior, along with first team all-conference and all-county

earned Buckeye Blue Chip recognition as a junior and senior

Career - - Three-year football letterman as offensive and defensive lineman

team captain as a senior

helped prep team reach first round of playoffs as a sophomore

started all 10 games as a senior, helping teammate rush for over 1,000 yards

started all nine games as a junior, as team rushed for over 1,500 yards

started all 11 games as a sophomore, as team rushed for over 2,000 yards and offensive line did not allow a single sack

also lettered in track, tossing shot put and discus.

Born 9/13/97

biology major

parents are Alicia and LeShun Daniels

brother of Iowa RB LeShun Daniels, Jr

. one of five sets of brothers on Iowa roster

high school coach was Steve Arnold.

2017