LaMichael James
RB, Oregon · 2012 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #61 (SFO)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 18 of ~64 possible regular-season games from 2012 through 2015 (~28%). Last NFL season: 2015.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #67 (#5 at his position), close to where he went (#61).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Oregon: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at 194 lbs: faster than 97% of RBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 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.
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 bust for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 18 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 2 |
| Rushing | 44 att, 193 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 5 rec, 45 yds, undefined TD |
| Last NFL season | 2015 |
The 2012 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2012 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| 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 | 5' 8", 194 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.35 s |
| Bench press | 15 reps |
| Vertical | 35" |
| Broad jump | 123" |
| 3-cone | 6.88 s |
| Shuttle | 4.12 s |
| Arm / hand | 30.2" / 9" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #67 overall (#5 RB) |
Picked around him 2012 redraft
| 58 | Lavonte David | redraft #6 |
| 59 | Vinny Curry | redraft #74 |
| 60 | Kelechi Osemele | redraft #35 |
| 62 | Casey Hayward | redraft #30 |
| 63 | Rueben Randle | redraft #78 |
| 64 | Dwayne Allen | redraft #104 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.