Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Player stock watch after first week of 2018 training camp

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 12
Next
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Richie James #3 of the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders makes a reception against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Richie James #3 of the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders makes a reception against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver Richie James

Richie James still has a long way to go to cement himself a roster spot.

But check out what Aaron Tan had to say about him during last Friday’s practice session:

"Observing this practice told me that James would not only have a 100 percent chance of making the roster, but should also have a big role on the offense in the 2018 season. James caught everything headed his way, even when coverage was very tight. He was getting a lot of reps and it is very clear that the coaching staff loves him."

And it doesn’t seem as if James’ efforts were just a “one day” show either. As seen in the video below (h/t Rob Lowder of Niners Wire), James was able to put a nifty move on against veteran nickel corner K’Waun Williams, beating him to the outside and hauling in the pass during the one-on-one drill:

At 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, James’ best projection is for slot duties at the NFL level. Starting slot receiver Trent Taylor (back) is on the physically unable-to-perform (PUP) list to start camp, so James appears to be benefiting from the extended look.

Stock: Rising