Notes
Edgerrin James was the best running back at Miami (Fla.) since Ottis Anderson.
He was drafted by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 1999 draft, even though Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams was still available. James will probably be NFL Rookie of the "Half" Year. He might also be an upgrade over the back he replaced, Marshall Faulk.
| |
|
| |
| 1999 SEASON STATISTICS |
| ATT |
YDS |
YDS/A |
TD |
LNG |
FUM |
| 175 |
634 |
3.6 |
5 |
40 |
6 |
|
|
Positives
James is a very smooth and fluid runner with deceptive but excellent speed and power. He has very quick feet and is extremely nifty for a 215-pounder. He makes tacklers miss in close quarters and also has the speed to get outside. He sees the cut-back lane and has excellent run vision. The rookie back also catches the ball extremely well and has soft, natural hands.
Negatives
James can and will block, but he needs some work on reading and picking up the blitz. He has had a couple of games when he looked a little tentative picking his hole, and he didn't read his blocks as well as he should have. He tends to fumble the ball too much and needs to make ball security more of a priority.
Summary
James is a better fit for the Colts' offense than Williams would have been, and James might be a better back, period. He has great skills and ability and seems to play with passion.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
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