San Francisco 49ers: Grading the 2018 NFL Draft class halfway through the season
By Peter Panacy
RICHIE JAMES. B. . WR. Middle Tennessee State
At some point, it would be wise for Kyle Shanahan to fully insert Middle Tennessee State slot receiver Richie James into a starting role over second-year pro Trent Taylor.
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After all, as Niner Noise broke down here, Taylor has been set back by a back injury and doesn’t offer the same explosiveness and speed James has. And while his chances have been limited to just two starts, James certainly made the most of them. Especially in Week 9, where he ripped off two catches for 60 yards, including a 53-yard catch-and-run scamper that was awfully impressive.
Seventh-round NFL Draft picks rarely make 53-man rosters. Thankfully, a solid training camp and preseason ensured James would stick around.
It’s safe to say he’s done more than that when given the opportunity.
He has also contributed in the return game, handling both kickoff and punt return duties this season. And right now, he’s looking like San Francisco’s latest example of a late-round gem.
Let’s hope it stays that way over the rest of 2018.
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