The Las Vegas Raiders' offensive line was one of the better units in the league last season, and center Andre James was a pivotal piece to the success. The 27-year-old signed a three-year, $24 million extension with the Raiders in March and is poised to deliver another consistent season for Las Vegas.
James had another strong campaign in 2023, but where does he land in Pro Football Focus' center rankings ahead of the 2024 NFL season?
PFF's Thomas Valentine believes James is the 10th-best center in the NFL, ahead of Aaron Brewer and Mitch Morse but below Drew Dalman and Ted Karras. Here is what Valentine had to say about the Silver and Black's center:
James has steadily improved for the Raiders over the past three years since becoming the team's starting center, enjoying his best season in 2023. His 74.6 grade was a career high and ranked ninth among centers, while his run-blocking and pass-blocking grades were both comfortably top-15 marks at the position.
Though James allowed a career-high four sacks in 2023, there's no doubt the former Bruin is one of the best centers in the NFL. James allowed just 19 QB pressures in 583 pass-blocking snaps last season and scored a 71.2 pass-blocking grade. The former undrafted free agent has always been a formidable pass protector but took strides in the run game in 2023, posting a career-high 75.0 run-blocking grade.
James may be the 10th-best center in the NFL right now, but don't be shocked if he takes another step in 2024 and moves up the list.
The sixth-year offensive lineman out of UCLA has improved every season he's been in the league and will have a strong interior around him consisting of rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson and veteran Dylan Parham.
