Top 5 takeaways from 49ers’ NFL preseason victory over Chiefs
By Chris Wilson
WR Richie James deserves a spot on the 49ers’ roster
Similar to last year, second-year wide receiver and return-man Richie James played his way onto the San Francisco 49ers’ final 53-man roster over the course of the preseason. James’ outing against the Chiefs was perhaps his finest performance of the year, as the young wideout caught all four targets for 66 receiving yards, including three third-down receptions that each moved the chains.
Each of the 49ers’ quarterbacks has faith in the young receiver, including Garoppolo, who hit James for 33 yards on a crucial third down for the QB during the second drive of the contest. San Francisco also needs James for his special-teams value, not only on kickoffs but also as a punt-returner with fellow wideout Trent Taylor sidelined due to injury.
James was recognized for his high level of play in Week 3 of the 2019 NFL preseason. His 92.6 offensive grade from PFF was tops among all receivers, which landed him on their Team of the Week:
"92.6 Overall Grade, 15 Offensive Snaps A seventh-round draft pick out of Middle Tennessee a year ago, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James Jr. had his best performance of the preseason so far this past week. He caught all four passes thrown his way for 66 yards and averaged 8.25 yards per route run, the best mark among receivers with at least four targets this week."
Per PFF, James earned a receiving grade of 89.0 during his three games this preseason, which ranks first among all players in the NFL. James secured a roster spot and should play a prominent role for the 49ers in 2019.