There's never been much doubt about James' ability to impact the game when on the field, but the problem has been keeping him off the injury report. He's missed at least one game in each of the last four seasons and multiple games on three occasions. The 2023 campaign was among his healthiest, and James delivered a career-high 125 total tackles while also showing off some of his ability as a dynamic playmaker with a pair of sacks, seven passes defensed and an interception. Though the arrival of Jim Harbaugh may bring question marks to the offensive side of the ball, he should have a major positive effect on the defense, with James being in the center of his plans. Even after baking in a few missed games, James' skill and situation is setting up for a very productive campaign so long as he can avoid significant injury.
