James' athleticism helps him overcome an early mistake. Some offensive linemen have trouble recovering if they're beaten with a quick move off the snap, leading to a pressure or a penalty. But James' balance and footwork allows him a chance to battle back and salvage the play.

Former Dolphins wide receiver O.J. McDuffie, who covers his old team and hosts a podcast devoted to it, praised James' footwork above all.

"His footwork is great," McDuffie said. "If he can get a little bit stronger, and if he's working well with the right guard and center, he's going to work well with that team."

Head Coach Vic Fangio sees the same attributes.

"[He's a] good athlete with length and size to him and I like that he's in the middle of his career," Fangio said. "I think that he's got a chance to be a Bronco for a long time."

If James can avoid the season-ending injuries that cut short his 2015 and 2017 seasons, Fangio's proclamation could be accurate.

A change of scenery could help James, as well. McDuffie believes that James sometimes got lost amid the team-wide struggles of the Dolphins. They have played in just one postseason game in the last 10 seasons and haven't won a playoff game since Dec. 30, 2000.

"I thought that Ja'Wuan became a victim of the situation down here more than anything," McDuffie said. "He was an outstanding pick for us, and I think he became a victim of the Miami Dolphins.