James Starks
RB, Buffalo · 2010 NFL Draft, Round 6, pick #193 (GNB)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Nothing in our pre-draft data flagged him as a steal: his age, school, testing and position profile looked like a typical pick in his range. The gap opened after the draft, on the field.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- Age
24 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 44.9% of the time (548 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Buffalo: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.50 40-yard dash at 218 lbs: faster than 58% of RBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
RB (RB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 46.1% of the time (501 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 76 of ~112 possible regular-season games from 2010 through 2016 (~68%). Last NFL season: 2016.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 76 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 26 |
| Rushing | 618 att, 2,506 yds, 9 TD |
| Receiving | 125 rec, 1,017 yds, 6 TD |
| Last NFL season | 2016 |
The 2010 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2010 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 24 or older | 44.9% n=548 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position RB | 46.1% n=501 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 218 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.50 s |
| Bench press | 15 reps |
| Vertical | 36" |
| Broad jump | 119" |
| 3-cone | 6.89 s |
| Shuttle | 4.23 s |
| Arm / hand | 33.6" / 9.5" |
| Age at draft | 24 |
Picked around him 2010 redraft
| 190 | Travis Goethel | redraft #194 |
| 191 | Dezmon Briscoe | redraft #158 |
| 192 | Danny Batten | redraft #175 |
| 194 | Ramon Harewood | redraft #180 |
| 195 | Antonio Brown | redraft #3 |
| 196 | Jamar Wall | redraft #232 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.