5 Reasons Why LaMareon James, The TCU UDFA, Is The Cleveland Browns' Biggest Steal Of The 2025 NFL Draft
Contents
LaMareon James: The Versatile Defensive Back Profile
LaMareon James is a classic example of a modern, versatile defensive back who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. His collegiate career was defined by his ability to line up wherever the team needed him, a trait that immediately makes him valuable to an NFL coaching staff.- Full Name: LaMareon James
- Date of Birth: October 25, 2000 (Age: 25)
- Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia
- High School: Indian River High School (Chesapeake, VA)
- Primary Position: Cornerback (CB) / Nickel CB
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 190–193 lbs
- College Career: Old Dominion University (ODU) (2021–2023), Texas Christian University (TCU) (2024)
- NFL Draft Status: 2025 Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA)
- Signed Team: Cleveland Browns
- Key Combine/Pro Day Metrics:
- Bench Press (225 lbs): 15 Reps
- Vertical Jump: 36 1/2 inches
- Broad Jump: 10'07"
- 40-Yard Dash (Projected): 4.49 seconds (Reported as low as 4.40)
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.40 seconds
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.19 seconds
The Journey: From ODU Playmaker to TCU Horned Frog
LaMareon James’s college career provides a deep well of evidence regarding his football acumen and competitive spirit, establishing the foundation for his topical authority as a multi-faceted athlete. His time at Old Dominion was marked by incredible versatility, where he was a true "athlete" on the roster. At ODU, James wasn't just a defensive back; he was a dynamic offensive weapon and a special teams threat. He recorded five interceptions on defense, returning two of them for touchdowns, showcasing elite ball skills and vision. On the offensive side, he caught 24 passes for 681 yards and also rushed for 475 yards and 10 touchdowns during his tenure, proving he has the hands and open-field elusiveness of a wide receiver or running back. This rare combination of offensive and defensive production is a massive green flag for NFL scouts looking for players who understand the game from every perspective. His decision to transfer to TCU for his final collegiate season was a move to test himself against Power Five competition in the Big 12, a critical step for his NFL draft stock. While the statistics might not jump off the page in his single year with the Horned Frogs, the experience of competing weekly against high-level collegiate talent prepared him for the speed and complexity of the professional game. The TCU program is known for developing defensive backs, and James's exposure to that system is an invaluable asset he brings to the Browns' training camp.5 Traits That Make James a High-Upside UDFA for the Browns
The Cleveland Browns are consistently one of the best teams at finding contributors among the undrafted ranks. LaMareon James fits the mold of a UDFA who could transition from a training camp body to a practice squad staple, and eventually, a roster contributor.1. Elite Nickel Cornerback Potential
James's size (5'10", 190 lbs) and athletic profile (quick shuttle and 3-cone times) are tailor-made for the modern NFL nickel cornerback role. This position, often called the "star" position, is arguably the third most important defensive back spot on the field, requiring a player who can cover shifty slot receivers, support the run, and blitz effectively. His demonstrated short-area quickness and burst give him a natural advantage in this role. Drafttek specifically ranked him as a top-10 nickel cornerback prospect in the 2025 class, underscoring his natural fit.2. Proven Positional Versatility
The ability to play multiple positions—cornerback, safety in a pinch, and even contribute on offense in college—translates directly to roster value in the NFL. For a team like the Browns, who need players who can fill multiple roles on the 53-man roster, James’s background as a dual-threat player at Old Dominion makes him an attractive and flexible option. He has a deep understanding of route concepts and defensive leverage because he has been on both sides of the ball.3. Special Teams Experience and Upside
Almost every UDFA who makes an NFL roster does so through special teams. James’s speed (4.49 projected 40-yard dash) and willingness to tackle make him a prime candidate to excel on the kick and punt coverage units. His pre-draft workouts confirmed his explosive athleticism, which is a non-negotiable trait for special teams aces. This is his most likely initial path to a roster spot.4. High-Level Athleticism and Explosiveness
His combine numbers, including a 36 1/2-inch vertical jump and a 10'07" broad jump, are indicative of elite lower-body explosiveness. These metrics are directly correlated with the burst needed to close on receivers, break on the ball, and make plays in space. While he may lack the ideal height for an outside corner, his pure athletic traits give him a high ceiling that coaches can work with.5. The TCU/Big 12 Pedigree
Although he only spent one year at TCU, playing in the Big 12 conference is a significant factor. He faced some of the most dynamic offenses and wide receivers in college football on a weekly basis, preparing him for the speed of the NFL game far better than if he had remained at a smaller school. This exposure to high-level competition confirms his ability to handle pressure and adapt quickly, which is essential for a rookie defensive back.The Road Ahead: Competing for a Roster Spot
LaMareon James joins the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, a designation that means his path to the final 53-man roster will be a steep climb. He will be competing primarily for a depth role in the defensive backfield and a spot on the practice squad. The Browns, who are always looking to strengthen their secondary, signed two cornerbacks among their UDFA class, signaling a commitment to competition at the position. To succeed, James will need to quickly master the Browns' defensive scheme and prove his reliability on special teams. His versatility and athletic ceiling are his strongest selling points. If he can demonstrate consistent tackling, an understanding of complex coverage schemes, and a knack for making plays on the ball—traits he showed at Old Dominion—he could become one of the most surprising UDFA success stories of the 2025 season. The former Horned Frog is a low-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay dividends for the Browns' secondary depth chart.
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