The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers: The Last Five Selections at Their Current Spot, Number 19

By Alan Schechter

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next

2014: Ju’Wuan James

Coming out of the 2013 season, the Miami Dolphins were in a bit of a mess up front. Yes, they finished 8-8. But, that left them without a postseason berth for the fifth straight year. They also allowed 58 sacks to lead the NFL. This just in, that isn’t good. Time to get some help for their franchise quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. So, they take Ju’Wuan James with the 19th pick of the 2014 draft.

His draft profile indicated the following:

"Big, strong, heavy pass protector with good balance, anchor strength and hand use to handle power and speed. Does not affect the run game the same way and almost appears more destined for the left side in the pros. Has instant-starter potential."

It turns out he did start right away, but eventually ended up on the right side. In 2014 he became the starting right tackle and has been in the position ever since. Unfortunately, a toe injury ended James’ 2015 season after only seven games. However, he came back to start all 16 games at right tackle in 2016.

Pro Football Focus ranked James as the 32nd overall tackle with a grade of 78.3. His run block grade was 80.8, jumping him up to 18th. Has he been a dominant right tackle? Not by a long shot. But James has clearly been a consistent one.

Home/Bucs Draft