Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Power ranking the 2018 NFL draftees

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Victor Bolden #17 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Kyle Queiro #41 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Victor Bolden #17 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Kyle Queiro #41 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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49ers WR Richie James
SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 09: Richie James #3 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders outruns Evan Foster #14 of the Syracuse Orange during a third quarter touchdown reception that tied the game at 16-16 on September 9, 2017 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Middle Tennessee defeats Syracuse 30-23. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

1. Richie James

I’ll put it out there off the bat, I did not think Richie James would have the preseason he’s had.

I mean in fairness to myself I don’t think anyone had, but not many people write for a 49ers webpage where they used the phrase “outside, looking in” to describe James.

On my article on ranking the draft choices by immediate impact (almost a sort of rough copy of this present article) I had James seventh of the nine rookies, and remember Street was already out for the year. I concluded with:

"Unfortunately, with the returning Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor, the intriguing Kendrick Bourne and second-round draftee, Dante Pettis, James may be lost in the shuffle somewhat. Being small and fast, James could still make the roster as a return specialist and work his way to getting some offensive snaps with some plays drawn up for him. Unfortunately, he looks like he could be on the outside looking in."

Related Story. San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 49ers’ 2018 NFL Draft picks by immediate impact. light

Well boy, did James do that quickly.

While James did return one kick (for 33 yards no less), he flashed incredible ability on offense. Not only did he get a target from Garoppolo, but he reeled in four passes for the game.

Niner Noise breaks it down again:

"He had four receptions for 46 yards, including the game-winning touchdown with 18 seconds left. Per PFF, 49ers quarterbacks had a 150.4 passer rating on the night when targeting him. He showed an ability to get open down the field, but also an ability to make things happen on shorter passes."

James was acting like a rabid dog in the rookie minicamp, standing out with his aggression and physicality despite his small stature.

It carried on when the team came together and the pads went on, and carried on still against actual opposition.

Next. 49ers 2018 camp battle: Running back depth heats up post Matt Breida injury. dark

At this rate, there is zero doubt James makes the active roster. There is not a chance he would get past waivers otherwise.

Pettis hasn’t exactly been a slouch, but James has far been the best rookie receiver for the Niners thus far.

That makes him the top rookie in the power rankings this early.