San Francisco 49ers: Grading the 2018 NFL Draft class halfway through the season

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Richie James #13 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Richie James #13 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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.

dark. Next. Predicting 49ers' wins & losses over second half of 2018

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