Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Complete rookie grades from 2018 NFL Draft class

By Akshaj Dwivedula

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (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) /

Round 7, Pick 240: Wide Receiver Richie James

Richie James also had a very strong preseason showing, one that guaranteed his spot on the 49ers roster. From there, everything was like a roller coaster.

As a wide receiver, James struggled to unseat incumbent Trent Taylor, although he did eventually get more opportunities. He played at wide receiver for only six games. In those games, he got 14 targets, which he converted to nine catches, 130 yards and a touchdown. That complete season statline is similar to what Dante Pettis did in one game against Seattle.

In the return game, the mercurial James made every play fun to watch, but not always in a good way. James muffed two punts but also had a kick-return touchdown against Seattle which helped the 49ers win Week 15 against the Seahawks:

Overall, there’s a lot to unpack with James. Given more opportunities, he really could have had a breakout season for the 49ers.

As it stands, his performance is much like the average of games: average.

Grade: C