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With the 47th pick of Pride of Detroit's 2012 NFL mock draft, the New York Jets select Oregon running back LaMichael James. Jack H is serving as the Jets' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.
The Jets have found a diamond in the rough replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson in the rising star that is LaMichael James. James is a shifty runner with a quick, elusive style that will complement Tim Tebow and Shonn Greene as the Jets look to get back to ground and pound in the new wildcat look. After taking Cordy Glenn in the first round and reinforcing an already strong O-line, the Jets will look for a big time playmaker in the second round. James fits the bill.
James is hungry to prove himself in the NFL. After being passed over for the Heisman Trophy and the fact that some people have downgraded and even disrespected the University of Oregon, apparently because the Pac-12 is not the Big Bad SEC, James in turn has a chip on his shoulder. This will manifest itself into complete and total dominance in the NFL. They will be calling him LJ2K at the next level.
James has proved that he is durable, apart from a brief two-game stint in which he had an injured elbow and was forced to sit out. During his time at Oregon, he put on muscle mass and consistently got stronger. He will most likely be able to put on an additional 15-20 lbs. of muscle once he gets into an NFL weight room with a pro trainer. Combine that strength potential with 4.45 elusive speed and you have a possible Pro Bowl rookie in NYC.
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