With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: James Daniels Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 18: Running back Akrum Wadley
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 18: Running back Akrum Wadley /
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Iowa’s James Daniels is one of the top interior offensive linemen in the 2018 NFL Draft class.

James Daniels is a technically sound interior offensive line prospect who projects as a day-1 starter. He features both the physical attributes and natural feel for the game to be highly successful at the next level.

Daniels has a good build with a thick bubble and long arms. His arm length allows him to easily gain inside hands and control the action. He also has the upper body strength and heavy hands needed to latch to the defender.

He plays with excellent balance and a wide base. This helps him anchor after contact and maintain leverage.

Daniels features a seamless snap and step motion from this center position. This quick movement allows Daniels to explode off the ball and engage the defender. He has no problem crossing the defender’s face to seal him from the play.

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His quickness off the ball also gives Daniels the ability to reach the 2nd level. The blocks he is able to throw on linebackers helped spring a ton of long runs.

Daniels is also a physical presence in the trenches. He routinely rolls his hips and delivers a strong punch. This combined with his inside hand placement gives him the ability to generate a push off the ball. It also helps that he keeps his pads down and remains balanced.

In pass protection, Daniels sits nicely into his stance and keeps his head on a swivel. He is an aggressive pass blocker who takes the fight to the defender. Daniels does a great job regaining position and balance after that initial contact.

He is a ready-made prospect who can step in from day 1 and contribute. The team that drafts Daniels should be able to count on him anchoring the middle of the offensive line for years to come.

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