Auburn football's most valuable players in 2023: No. 2 DJ James

James is one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC.

Lance Dawe | Aug 16, 2023

Auburn football's most valuable players in 2023: No. 2 DJ James /

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Auburn Tigers

We continue our countdown towards Auburn's 2023 season with a ranking of their most valuable players.

At No. 2 we have cornerback DJ James, one of the best players in the nation at his position.

DJ James' Bio

- 6-foot-1

- 218 pounds

- Senior

- Previous school: Oregon

DJ James was lockdown for the Tigers last season, and his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade proves that statement.

James has the third-best returning PFF grade in the SEC with an 82.3.

DJ was graded behind only Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama at 82.5 and DeShawn Gaddie of Ole Miss (previously at North Texas) at 84.8. He's in for a big 2023 season that will likely shoot him up, draft boards.

There's an argument to be made that James is the best corner in the league, competing with Kool-Aid for the top spot. He has massive value to the Tigers as their best shut-down corner.

Auburn football's most valuable players in 2023:

3. Dillon Wade, OL

4. Jarquez Hunter, RB

5. Jayson Jones, DT

6. Avery Jones, C

7. Nehemiah Pritchett, CB

8. Gunner Britton, OL

9. Shane Hooks, WR

10. Alex McPherson, K

11. Larry Nixon III, LB

12. Rivaldo Fairweather, TE

13. Cam Riley, LB