Expert Opinion: James Daniels’ Profile
Centers aren’t the most exciting position to talk about, but they are very important to every offense. After all, the play doesn’t start without them snapping the ball and then blocking. James Daniels, out of Iowa, is a 6’3″ 295-pound center from Warren, Ohio.
At the Combine, he bench pressed 21 reps, had a vertical jump of 30.5″ and a broad jump of 108″. He did not run the 40-yard dash.
Daniels is quick for his position, but he has trouble withstanding a bull rush from a defense. This could be an issue with the giants on NFL defensive lines he will go up against. However, he is quick off the snap and may be able to use that to his advantage to avoid the aforementioned bull rush.
Look for Daniels to go in the late first round or early second round.
I do not see the Browns targeting Daniels because of JC Tretter already having a command on that position. However, I do see the team taking an offensive lineman later in the draft, where Daniels will be long gone.
Daniels has the potential to be great in this league, but I believe that he must gain some more weight in muscle to withstand an NFL defense.
Photo ESPN
