Why 49ers’ Richie James is in danger of losing a roster spot in 2019

With the San Francisco 49ers primarily utilizing wide receiver Richie James in the return role his rookie year, is he in danger of losing his roster spot for 2019?

The San Francisco 49ers drafted wide receiver Richie James Jr. in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Seen as somewhat of a developmental player, he saw limited game time at the position. James would, however, be the Niners’ go-to man for punt and kickoff returns for the majority of the 2018 season.

James returned 12 punts for 75 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per return. Where he really stood out, though, was in his kick returns. James returned 23 kicks for 580 yards, averaging 25.2 yards per return and one touchdown.

His 97-yard kickoff return touchdown in Week 15’s win over the Seattle Seahawks was the 49ers’ first of such since way back in 2011:

That being said, the fact James is a great returner of the football won’t guarantee him a roster position this year.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of James’. However, given the considerable increase in talent the 49ers have brought in at wide receiver this year, the odds of him making the 53-man roster are definitely stacked against him.

James brought reasonable numbers with the minimal game time he was provided at receiver. He had nine receptions for 130 yards, averaging 14.4 yards per reception and his first receiving touchdown.

Now those figures are nothing to balk at. And, given the ample opportunity for snaps at wide receiver, James may indeed turn into something special.

In spite of this, though, he will need to pull some magic out of the hat if he wants to stick around with the 49ers long term. His natural position is in the slot, with the Niners now having several players capable of lining up in that spot.

Newly signed wide receiver Jordan Matthews can play in just about any position across the field and brings with him the size and strength to be a threat over the middle. Wide receiver Trent Taylor will also be competing for slot duties and has considerably more experience than James. Add into the mix 2019 NFL Draft rookie Deebo Samuel, and you can see James starts to fall down the depth chart.

With the 49ers adding more receivers during the offseason, and the fact head coach Kyle Shanahan will likely be carrying three running backs into game day, all of whom are also capable pass-catchers, James’ role within the team further diminishes.

Unfortunately, this is the business that comes with football. At the end of the day, teams are here in the NFL to compete and will place their best available players on the field to do so. Whether or not the Niners are able to squeeze him in by trimming some fat at other positions, or find room for him on the teams’ practice squad, we will just have to wait and see.