LaMichael James

Here's what we know for sure: LaMichael James is going to fulfil his childhood dream of playing in the NFL.

Here's what else we might know: Chip Kelly has felt the lure of the NFL. What if Chip's "unfinished business" at the University of Oregon only takes the 2012 season to complete?

It got me thinking: "I wonder if Kelly and James will ever end up on the same NFL team." Let's look at a few examples of where and why this idea might not be so far-fetched.

No. 1: Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals need a running back to replace troubled Cedric Benson. While they have talked to free agents Michael Bush (Oakland Raiders) and BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England Patriots), it's important to note that Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was at Oregon's Pro Day last week.

LaMichael James' follow-up performance at Oregon's Pro Day solidified his good performance at the NFL Draft Combine last month.

Lewis, who is in his ninth season at Cincinnati, is entering the last year of his contract. As of today, he has not signed an extension. According to Lewis on the Bengals website, he and Bengals President Mike Brown haven't had the time and opportunity to discuss his contract.

Perhaps. But maybe the fact that Lewis is third on the list of NFL coaches with the most regular season wins without a playoff win might be grating just a bit. Nine years as an NFL head coach, even for a well-liked one like Lewis, is a loooooooong time.

2013: Chip Kelly and LaMichael James in Cincinnati? Not impossible. 

No. 2: Detroit Lions. Also in attendance at Oregon's Pro Day was Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz. As with Cincinnati, the Lions also have serious questions at running back.

The Lions are considering bringing back free agent RB Kevin Smith. Smith started 13 games for the Lions in 2009 before suffering a left knee injury that ended his season. When Jahvid Best arrived the next year, Smith didn't have a role.

But Best is recovering from another concussion, and his backup Mikel Leshoure is unproven after an Achilles tendon injury in 2010. Also, RB Maurice Morris is a free agent.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Lions use a draft pick on a good running back no matter what they decide about Smith.

Schwartz is in the last year of a five-year contract, and while both sides say negotiations are moving forward, he has not signed a contract extension beyond 2012. Because of last year's progress by the Lions, I think expectations are running high in Detroit. If Schwartz' team doesn't live up to those expectations, he might be on the hot seat.  

2013: Chip Kelly and LaMichael James in Detroit? Also not an impossibility. I wonder if they'd get new cars as part of their deals.

While we are journeying through Fantasy Land just a bit with this article, let's go all the way and talk about the Oakland Raiders, my favorite NFL team.

I would love love love the Raiders to draft LaMichael James. I think they should trade injury-plagued Darren McFadden and improve their pick status. I like McFadden, but he could be traded for a higher pick and allow the Raiders to get James.

And remember that Michael Bush has talked to the Bengals. If he leaves Oakland, they really need more depth at RB.

OK, so let's say LaMike is a Raider; how do we get Chip there?

That's tougher because head coach Dennis Allen is brand new. However, the Raiders head job has been a coaching carousel over the years. The conventional wisdom now is that Allen is the guy and will get enough time to prove it, but I've heard that before in Oakland.

 LaMichael James and Chip Kelly in Oakland? Probably only in my dreams.

Now that the Seattle Seahawks have acquired the player they hope will be their quarterback of the future in free agent Matt Flynn the team needs to begin improving the weapons at his disposal, and while the Seahawks are set to bring in running back Michael Bush for a visit, a back that may be a much better fit could be available in the third round of April's draft.

Oregon running back LaMichael James led the NCAA with over 1,800 rushing yards in 2011 at the University of Oregon, and as the Sporting News recently pointed out James was one of the stars of the Ducks' pro day on March 15.

James stood on nearly all his numbers from the Combine except for his 40, and according to NFL sources, he ran in the low 4.4s on FieldTurf (4.41 to 4.44, depending on the scout SN spoke to). He also showed the explosive foot quickness, balance and lateral agility in drills that he used throughout his college career to make tacklers miss and avoid big hits.

More important, he displayed the natural hands and good all-around receiving skills to prove he can be an impact receiver out of the backfield. According to one of SN's sources at the workout, James showed the athleticism and receiving skills to convince NFL teams that he could line up as a slot receiver and be productive, which adds to his draft value.

James' relatively diminutive size (5'9", 194 pounds) may prevent the second team All-American from being taken in the first round of the draft or ever becoming a true feature back in the NFL, but James' elusiveness and blazing speed could make him an excellent complement to bruiser Marshawn Lynch in the Seattle backfield.

Darren Sproles has demonstrated very well that a small back can have a big impact out of the backfield in the National Football League, and with their shiny new quarterback much more a game manager than gunslinger, Flynn could well use a weapon like James on third downs.

Kip Earlywine of Seahawks Draft Blog shares this assessment, and he theorizes that the Oregon star may be squarely on Seattle's draft day radar.

LaMichael James is one running back option who lines up with many of Seattle’s criteria, and if Seattle is willing to consider change of pace types, James would likely top the list.

This front office has made it no secret that they target value on draft day and opportunity in free agency.  James is a very talented back being devalued because of his role in a run centric offense.  He’s also undersized, although NFL teams have shied away from small backs less and less in recent years.  For those reasons James is likely to be drafted lower than his on field talent deserves, making him the kind of  “value” selection that appeals to this front office.

As Earlywine also points out, the Seahawks have been able to acquire key contributors such as safety Kam Chancellor and cornerback Richard Sherman in recent drafts because they slid on draft day for one reason or another, and if the Seahawks are able to acquire James in a similar fashion this April, it may well turn out to be another draft-day feather in Pete Carroll's cap.

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Heisman Trophy candidates do not always turn into successful NFL players, but this year's crop will receive plenty of attention at the 2012 NFL Draft.

Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck were the top-two finishers on the ballot, and are almost certain to be the top-two picks in the draft. 

Montee Ball and Tyrann Mathieu will both return to school next year but Trent Richardson, the fifth finalist, will likely be taken off the board in the top 10.

A few other players just missed out on an invitation to New York, but can still get their glory on April 26. Here's a draft breakdown on four of college football's top prospects from a season ago:

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Strengths: Trent Richardson is the most complete running back to enter the draft since Adrian Peterson in 2007. At 228 pounds, he has devastating power, but also boasts blazing speed and incredible agility.

He showed great vision during his collegiate career, waiting for blocks to develop and picking the right holes. His excellent hands add the final piece and make Richardson the complete package.

Weaknesses: As far as his skill set is concerned, Richardson does not have any glaring weaknesses. However, any running back looking to carry a full load across an NFL season will be at risk for an injury.

Projection: Round 1, pick No. 4, Cleveland Browns.

Peyton Hillis proved to be a flash-in-the-pan and Cleveland cannot pass up on a chance to have a franchise player like Richardson as the centerpiece of its offense.

Case Keenum, QB, Houston

Strengths: Case Keenum put up gaudy numbers during his senior season at Houston. He completed 71 percent of his passes for 5,631 yards and finished the season with 48 touchdown passes compared to just five interceptions.

Weaknesses: While his production suggests that he can be an NFL-caliber player, his size and decision-making raise questions about his future at the next level. Keenum is 6'1", a few inches short of the ideal height for a QB. He also played in the spread offense at Houston, and may not be able to adapt to a pro-style offense.

Projection: Round 7, pick No. 204, Arizona Cardinals.

If the Cardinals are able to sign Peyton Manning, then Keenum will have a great tutor to help him learn how to be an NFL QB. If Arizona misses out on Manning, the team will still get a player with potential late in the draft.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Strengths: LaMichael James ranked fifth in the nation with a 7.3 yards per carry average, and was first among backs with 150 or more carries. He excelled in Oregon's fast-paced offense and was one of the most productive and dynamic runners in the country.

His elusiveness and pass-catching abilities make him an ideal fit for a scatback role in the NFL.

Weaknesses: At 5'8" and 194 pounds, James may not have the frame to withstand the punishment of the pro game. In addition, a domestic violence conviction in 2010 has raised concerns about his character.

Projection: Round 2, pick No. 39, St. Louis Rams.

The Rams have their "thunder" with Steven Jackson, and could add the "lightning" by drafting James. The two players complement each other perfectly, and would help take pressure off Sam Bradford.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Strengths: Kellen Moore went 50-3 as a starter, setting the record for wins in a collegiate career. He completed 74.3 percent of his passes during his senior year, and was an unquestioned leader. Moore elevated his game in important situations and was a consummate teammate and captain.

Weaknesses: Moore stands just 6'0" tall and is too short to be a top prospect. His unorthodox release is lower than it should be, compounding the problems cause by his height. 

Projections: Round 7, pick No. 218, Green Bay Packers.

The last time Green Bay took a project-QB in the seventh round was in 2008, when the team drafted Matt Flynn. This move turned out well, and the Packers will likely have to replace Flynn after he leaves in free agency. Moore would be a great fit as Aaron Rodgers' new backup. 

LaMichael James, former Oregon Ducks superstar running back, would be the perfect fit in the Denver Broncos’ spread-option offense orchestrated by Tim Tebow.

After amassing 5,082 yards rushing in his three years as a Duck, James is looking to continue his success in the NFL. James isn’t considered to be a first-round draft pick, but he will be a steal for any team due to his multiple skills.

James needed to show that his speed is no joke at the NFL Scouting Combine after he measured in at 5'8" and 194 pounds. He did exactly what he needed when he ran an unofficial 40-yard-dash time of 4.37, which was then converted into a 4.45.

The 40-yard dash is usually overrated, but for James it helped his draft stock soar and created comparisons to the likes of Jahvid Best and Darren Sproles. James also showed solid hands when catching balls, which will only add to his resume.

The NFL has changed with how offenses work and how running backs are now utilized. Darren Sproles, who is listed at 5'6" and 190 pounds, was a major factor in the New Orleans Saints being one of the greatest offenses ever in 2011, as Sproles dipped and dodged his way to a record breaking year. At the 2005 combine, Sproles ran a 4.47 40-yard dash, which is slightly slower than James' time. Sproles has opened the door for backs like James to make a huge impact in the NFL.

Where does James fit best in the NFL? The Denver Broncos. 

If the Broncos add James to the backfield with Tebow, they could have a scary duo for defenses in 2012 and beyond. With Willis McGahee taking the more traditional and power runs, the Broncos could have a three-headed monster.

Denver needs to surround Tebow with more weapons if they want him to be successful. James is the perfect fit with his multiple skills. In three years at Oregon, James averaged 6.6 yards per carry, 11.5 yards per catch and totaled 58 touchdowns. He can score with his legs, hands and even as a returner in the NFL.

Yes, health is a question for James. The elbow injury he suffered in 2011 was a freak accident, though, and he dominated when he came back. The reward kills the risk, and if Denver wants to be successful and surround Tebow with the right players, they need to draft James.

Oregon's LaMichael James is one of the most explosive players available in the 2012 NFL draft and would give the Green Bay Packers a much-needed boost in the running game.

James was the nation's second-leading rusher in his junior season and is projected by CBSSports.com to be picked in the second or third round.

The Packers received inconsistent production for James Starks and Ryan Grant last season, and if James is available to them with the 28th pick in the second round, the team must take him.

Starks and Grant—when healthy—give Green Bay solid between-the-tackles runners. Grant is neither exceedingly powerful nor athletic, but has great vision and can rack up yardage by making the right cut. Starks, at 6'2" and 218 pounds, is a load when he hits the hole and the first tackler rarely brings him down.

However, James gives the backfield an entirely new dimension: speed. His 4.45 second 40-yard dash at the combine tied him for second among running backs. He also ran the 100 meters for Oregon's track team in 10.62 seconds and anchored the 4x100 meter relay team.  

Starks has shown the ability to turn on the burners, but James would bring a different level of quickness and elusiveness to the Packers. His ESPN draft profile sums up his dynamic playmaking capabilities by saying: "Lightening quick feet. Can hit vertical cuts without losing momentum. Possesses exceptional stop-and-start capabilities to freeze defenders. Can transition to top-gear instantly and is extremely dangerous once hitting the open field."

The All-American proved in his collegiate career that he could use his abilities as running back or receiver.

James did not catch a ton of balls while with the Ducks, but showed he was more than capable in the passing game. He reeled in 17 passes in each of his three seasons in Eugene and averaged over 12 yards per catch in both is sophomore and junior years. In addition, SI.com reported that coaches at the combine were impressed with his pass-catching skills. 

His versatility makes him the type of the player that the Packers offense needs. James has the ability to be Green Bay's equivalent of Darren Sproles.

Sproles' historic 2011 campaign was overshadowed by Drew Brees' record-setting year. No NFL player has ever racked up more all-purpose yardage (2,696) than the 5'6" running back did last season.

Sproles' ability to make plays in the open field led to the unprecedented amount of yardage, but the importance of his skill set to the Saints' offense cannot be understated. Brees was the least-sacked quarterback in the league last year, and this was partially because he was able to use Sproles as his check-down option when under pressure.

His 86 receptions were the most by any running back, and most of these catches came on short, safe throws that helped Brees set a record for completion percentage in a season (71.2).

Brees would not have been as successful last year if Sproles had not joined the team as a free agent. If Aaron Rodgers has a similar player to target, he may be able to improve on his MVP-winning 2011 campaign.

The Packers drafted Alex Green out of Hawaii before last season because Grant and Starks are average pass-catchers, at best. However, Green sustained a serious knee injury in Week 7. He underwent ACL surgery and, sadly, may not be as explosive as he once was.

Green Bay also signed Brandon Saine as an undrafted free agent, and he impressed coaches as a receiver out of the backfield. However, the former Ohio State Buckeye was raw and inconsistent, and the team would be better off finding another option in this year's draft.

The Packers are clearly in the market for an elusive, pass-catching running back, and James fits the mold perfectly. Among players who match the description, the Oregon back will be one of the best available come April 26.

Teams have raised concerns over James' durability and character. At 5'9" and 185 pounds, scouts have been skeptical about his ability to handle the punishing nature of NFL football. However, the same criticisms cause Sproles to be overlooked, and teams across the league are now paying for their misjudgment.

The questions regarding James' character deal with domestic violence charges. The running back pleaded guilty prior to the 2010 season. He was the product of a troubled childhood and his father was killed before he was born, leaving him with an absentee mother. None of this excuses his actions, but he owned up to his mistake, served the punishment and continued to be an exemplary teammate.

James' coaches have always been complementary about his character. When asked to describe James' character, Chip Kelly said, "The best character you can have. Above reproach. He is in a situation where people are going to accuse him of things because of who he is. I have all the confidence in the world he is a great young man."

James' considerable talents outweigh the concerns raised about him, and he is undoubtedly a player worth drafting.

His skill set makes him an ideal fit for the Packers offense, and his presence could make the unit even better than it was last season.

James would flourish while taking hand-offs and catching passes from Rodgers, and nobody would benefit more from the relationship than Green Bay fans. 

Running backs had the most to gain and the most to lose at the 2012 NFL combine, and guys like Lamar Miller, Chris Polk and LaMichael James really came away looking good.

The 40-yard dash time can be very telling for running backs, so running a good one can go a long ways towards improving your stock.

Fast running backs need to come in and prove themselves, while the bigger bruising backs can make themselves very valuable by running good times.

There is nothing more valuable in the NFL than a running back that is big, but is also very fast.

Let's breakdown what these three players did for themselves at the Combine:

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Lamar Miller may have solidified himself as the second best running back in the 2012 NFL draft with his showing at the Combine—clocking an official 4.40 time in the 40-yard dash, but notching an unofficial 4.38 in the process.

Coming into the Combine I wasn't sure if he was a first-round guy, and it really depended on the team needs in the middle of the round.

Miller is a quick back that hits the hole and goes straight for the end zone. He showed a great burst in Miami and the ability to bust through the second level before the defense could collapse on it.

I wouldn't consider him to be a shifty back, but he runs very strong and with his pads in front of him.

He can also be an impact in the special teams game.

He displayed some very good quickness, and considering he's 5'11'', 212 pounds, he's now the second best running back on my board.

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Polk has the potential to be a very good NFL back, and if it weren't for Miller looking so quick I would have ranked Polk No. 2 behind Trent Richardson.

What I like about Polk is that he's a downhill runner that hits the hole hard and keeps his feet moving and momentum going forward.

He's a traditional bowling bowl back that kind of reminds me of Falcons' running back Michael Turner.

He came into the combine looking slim and very athletic, and then backed that up by running an official 4.57, unofficial 4.46 as his lowest time.

Many people see Polk as a second-round pick, but I think he worked himself up into the late first at the combine.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

James was the talk of Sunday afternoon with his lightning quick 40-time—running an unofficial 4.37.

Sub 4.4 would be considered elite speed in the NFL, and that's exactly what James needed to get his name rising up draft boards.

There have been questions about his size and durability coming into the NFL, but with a time like this he could become quite a commodity.

I project James as a very dangerous third down back, that can burn teams off the edge or in the passing game, and he should be able play a big role in special teams.

Many have him as a questionable second- to third-round pick, but after the Combine there is no question that he can be a Round 2 prospect in the right system.

With his impressive run at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, former Oregon running back LaMichael James has made himself a much desirable draft candidate for any football team.

After declaring for the NFL draft following his junior year and the first BCS victory in the Chip Kelly era for the Oregon Ducks, James wowed scouts and NFL franchises with a 4.45 second 40-yard dash at the 2012 NFL combine. This run put him at No. 2 overall at the running back position, behind only Miami running back Lamar Miller.

James, whose name immediately started trending on Twitter following the performance, is to be rightfully considered among the most elite prospects at the position. While an undersized athlete at 5’8” and 194 pounds, the speedy back may draw comparisons to NFL players like Darren Sproles and Jahvid Best.

The 4.45 time proves that he can explode in the backfield for 20+ yard runs, and may become a viable option for kick and punt returns.

The dynamic back, who also has an unofficial 40 time of 4.37 seconds, proves that he would be able to outrun tacklers and find the open field as an explosive option for a team that needs running back help.

James rushed for over 1,500+ yards in his three seasons at Oregon, and averaged 7.3 yards per carry in his final season.

He also recorded a touchdown in his Rose Bowl victory and notched a 90-yard carry earlier in the season.

While he may have become a more popular household name, the noted fame would certainly not come as a surprise to anyone who actually watched him play in the Pac-12 conference during his tenure at Oregon. As an Oregon student who has watched LaMichael James play in person, I understand how electrifying he can be on a football field.

James is a legitimate, constant threat to score from no matter where he is on the field. Regardless of other fumble and handling liabilities, that type of value makes him a desirable candidate for an NFL team. 

Even if many scouts question his size and could tout him as third- to fourth-round talent, his performance against the large Wisconsin defense and his stellar 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine makes James an even more exciting pick who can become an exciting late-first or mid-second round pick when the NFL draft comes around.

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Watching live and waiting for LaMichael James to run his first 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine today was excruciatingly nerve-wracking. My poor husband, trying to get some work done in his home office, was startled by my shrieks when it looked as if LaMike had run the fastest 40 by a running back.

His unofficial time was 4.37, the fastest at the time. When James got up for his second dash attempt, he was tied with Chris Rainey, RB at Florida. But LaMike did it again—4.37! Just a few moments later, Rainey's second attempt clocked unofficially at 4.41.

I am now dancing around my kitchen. LaMike! LaMike! LaMike!

I'm very happy I did not write the headline for this piece at that moment. It was to read "LaMichael James Wins the RB 40-yard Dash."

Alas, once the times were made official, James was in second place behind Miami RB Lamar Miller. Miller's official time was 4.40, while LaMike's was 4.45. Tied with James in second were Rainey and Ronnie Hillman from San Diego State.

To the naked eye watching on high-def big screen, James honestly looked the fastest among all the running backs. But my husband says I am not objective about this kid, and he's probably right. I am, however, unclear about how two blazing 4.37s end up officially at 4.45. Just sayin'.

No matter. The dude was and is fast. James had to run as fast as expected today to keep himself in the conversation, and he did what he needed to do.

Please watch this space later in the week when I recap how all six former Oregon players did at the combine.

Follow me on Twitter: @KayJenningsPDX