Cory

James

James hurt his knee late last season and obviously still has a ways to go in his recovery. He logged 56 tackles over 455 defensive snaps last year while earning PFF’s No. 44 inside linebacker grade out of 52 qualifiers. The Raiders have bolstered their linebacking corps this offseason by adding Tahir Whitehead and Derrick Johnson.

James (6'1/229) made 46 starts for the Rams, piling up 41 career tackles for loss, 24 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He split time between defensive end and middle linebacker and earned second-team All-Mountain West honors as a senior. James is undersized for both positions, but he did show NFL-level athleticism at CSU’s Pro Day by running 4.6-flat with a 10-foot-7 broad jump and 35-inch vertical. James has an NFL future as a special teamer and perhaps an edge rusher in sub-package situations.

The Raiders have now signed six of their seven draft picks. A sixth-rounder out of Colorado State, James’ best chance to see the field will come on special teams.

James has been dealing with knee issues most of the season. He hadn’t been active since Week 12. James struggled in his first year as a full-time starter, grading near the bottom of PFF’s ratings. The Raiders should upgrade on him this offseason.