49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Wide receiver Richie James

Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series on San Francisco 49ers players sticks with the offense, looking at a promising wide receiver in Middle Tennessee State’s Richie James.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ efforts in the 2018 NFL Draft primarily focused on the offensive side of the ball early on. Namely with offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and wide receiver Dante Pettis going in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively.

Yet one of the late-round picks — the Niners’ final pick of the draft, to be exact — saw Middle Tenneessee State wide receiver Richie James donning red and gold.

Taken at No. 240 overall, James likely wasn’t projected to be an impact player right away. Perhaps never, as seventh-round picks rarely make a 53-man roster outside of special teams.

But James stood out during the 49ers’ rookie minicamp, possibly being another one of those late sleepers on offense the Niners’ current regime has managed to find.

And while James’ junior year at MTSU wasn’t particularly great, due to a broken collarbone, his previous two years could be indicative of the type of numbers he might put up if given the opportunity at the next level:

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/1/2018.

At 5-foot-9 and 176 pounds, James looks the part of a prototypical NFL slot receiver. The Niners already have a good one of those in second-year pro Trent Taylor. But head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t operate traditional wide receiver sets.

For example, veteran wideout Marquise Goodwin (5-foot-9 and 179 pounds) frequently saw action outside, using his speed and improved route running to his advantage last year.

James likely won’t surpass either Taylor or Goodwin on the depth chart this season. But, as of now, he looks to have a good hold on a roster spot for 2018. Yet what will he need to do to cement that role and increase his chances of sticking around a long time?

Let’s take a look.

Why Richie James Improves in 2018

Despite his smallish frame, James actually plays bigger than he looks. And while his 4.48 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine isn’t elite, this above-average speed helps him with solid route-running capabilities.

Those are vital in Shanahan’s offense, especially over the middle, where James excelled during minicamp.

Another positive trait, as evidenced in the video below, is James’ ability to get past defensive backs at the line of scrimmage. Quick footwork and elusiveness should help him against press coverage, particularly facing bigger, stronger corners this upcoming season:

Why He Regresses

James might be a good route runner, but he is far from great at this point in his career.

As his NFL.com draft profile pointed out, James has issues with routes down the field and could use a bit more polish in this area. Considering this, it might be a tough adjustment for Shanahan’s offense, which utilizes some of the more complex routes at the NFL level.

San Francisco 49ers

And then there’s the James-Goodwin comparison. Goodwin reached nearly 1,000 receiving yards a season ago, thanks largely to improved route running and dynamic speed. This isn’t a trait James has yet. So if he doesn’t develop it, it’s likely he winds up being little more than a depth option out of the slot.

Unlike Taylor, James also isn’t a premier pass catcher. That could set him back significantly too.

What to Expect with the 49ers in 2018

There’s a good chance James makes the 53-man cut once the preseason is finished. While he’s anything but a lock, one should consider James on the strong bubble heading into training camp.

James will push Taylor a bit on the depth chart, but the veteran has a strong edge here and won’t be unseated anytime soon. But James does have the chance to overtake other Niners receivers, namely the veteran Aldrick Robinson and Victor Bolden, whose recent four-game suspension only helps James’ chances.

If San Francisco keeps six receivers on its regular-season roster this year, James likely winds up being No. 6.

That’s not bad, per se, especially if James winds up seeing some offensive snaps. Fortunately, some collegiate return abilities increase his special teams value, which helps his cause for making the 53-man roster.

Next: 49ers 2018 offseason positional preview: Wide receiver

And if he’s able to hone is already-impressive skill set, the seventh-round draftee could easily be yet another one of those hidden late-round gems the Niners have seemingly found as of late.