Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Analyzing the 2018 rookie NFL Draft class one year later

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass and runs for a first down against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass and runs for a first down against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers top 10 plays 2018 NFL season
Richie James #13 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Richie James, Wide Receiver

2018 ranking prediction: 7th

What I said:

"James was a dynamic slot receiver for the MTSU Blue Raiders, and also lined up in the backfield as running back and Wildcat quarterback. In other words, he’s sort of a Swiss Army knife for the offense if used correctly. 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."

2018 production:

My prediction did sort of come true. Wide receiver Richie James shone in training camp and looked a possible steal, but did fall back into the shuffle when the regular season started.

James did start two games (Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals and Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams), due to injuries, and did struggle to get into the game throughout the season. He did, however, flash potential with a three-catch game for 32 yards in the aforementioned season finale.

He was an efficient receiver when thrown to, however, with his nine-catch, 130-yard season effort coming off just 14 targets.

The main production came from return duties, however, where he would serve as both punt and kickoff returner throughout the season.

James was taken off punt returns after consecutive games with a fumble in Weeks 12 and 13, but fared better in kickoffs, with his highlight being a touchdown return for the 49ers in their 26-23 upset of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15.

2019 status:

Nothing seems to be changing much for James. The 49ers have added heavily to their receiving corps, so James still looks to be on the outside, looking in.

The role of kickoff returner should be his to lose, however. So he should remain on the 53-man roster as a special teams specialist at the very least.