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Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Alec James saved his best football for last in Madison. His senior season was easily his most productive, as he became a leader on one of the nation’s best defenses.
A consensus second-team All-Big Ten performer, James registered eight tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2017, the latter tying him with Andrew Van Ginkel for second on the team in that category.
James wore a lot of hats for the Badgers over the past couple of seasons, and that versatility will do nothing but help his cause when teams watch his tape.
Alec James Measurables
| Height | Weight | Arm Length | Hand Size | 40-Yard Dash | Bench Press | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump | 20-Yard Shuttle | 3-Cone Drill | 60-Yard Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Weight | Arm Length | Hand Size | 40-Yard Dash | Bench Press | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump | 20-Yard Shuttle | 3-Cone Drill | 60-Yard Shuttle |
| 6'3 | 270 pounds | 32 5/8" | 9 1/2" | 4.75 seconds | 26 reps | 32.5" | 119" | 4.39 seconds | 7.00 seconds | N/A |
Height and weight measurements taken from 2018 East-West Shrine Game; All other statistics from Wisconsin Pro Day (courtesy of UW)
Strengths: Has played nearly every spot on the defensive line. Has played in multiple schemes. Shows good gap integrity in the run game. Showed ability to lengthen the edge in the run game and use leverage at the Shrine Game in 4-3 alignment. Effort pass rusher. Motor never quits.
Weaknesses: Lacks the length you look for in EDGE prospects. Jack of all trades, master of none type. Lacks a pass rush plan if not used in a stunt. Average athletically.
Summary: Alec James is a bit of a man without a position as he heads into his professional career. Mentioned at his Pro Day both 3-4 and 4-3 teams have talked to him. Likely ends up as a 4-3 base end who kicks inside on pass rush downs, however he likely struggles to get on the field in front of other pass rushers other than in a rotational role. He’ll do anything you ask of him, just the perception of lack of athletic upside to garner more interest than an undrafted free agent gig.
Projection: 7th Round—Undrafted Free Agent