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PFF: James Daniels, run blocking extraordinaire

By Parker Hurley

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Pro Football Focus Graded James Daniels out to be an elite run blocking lineman

The selection of James Daniels was an excellent decision at the time and value. The team hit on a need and took the best player available on their board. The perfect intersect. Early reports are that James Daniels may be moving to guard, and it could have to with his lack of functional strength, but also how much stronger he was against more outside competition.

According to Pro Football Focus metrics, Daniels was 45th in the country when it comes to snaps taking on under pressure. However, he ranked eighth in the country when it came to outside pressure. As shown in this athletic profile, Daniels is quick and athletic but may not be strong. It should be no surprise that outside defensive ends and tackles were easier to navigate than nose tackle and over powering tackles. PFF also wrote

"Biggest pass pro issue was recovering to the looper on stunts. Feet and reaction time both slow. Allowed 10 pressures this past season"

The inability to move and react to stunts affected his pass protection grade a bit, and slid him to rank 40th in the country as a pass protecting center. However, when it comes to run stuffing, sign this kid up.

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As shown in his overall grades, you can see some peaks and valleys. Screens are an issue for Daniels, because as mentioned by PFF,

"Locating linebackers was an adventure for him at times. Once he gets moving in space, he really struggled to change directions."

On top of that, penalties have come around and it has mainly resulted in a below average pass block grade. However, for as close to average he is as a pass blocker, it is only shadowed by how elite he is as a run blocker. His run block grade, and positive run block% change his entire grading outlook by PFF. In fact, you can see how strong they draw on his impressive overall grade.

Daniels to guard might be a better option. Facing smaller competition against the pass and getting his athleticism out in space in the run could be the way to go.

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