The 49ers' can trace the roots of drafting Jordan James back not just through the Deebo Samuel trade but also the one involving Marshon Lattimore.
Earlier this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers sent shockwaves by dealing All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a mere fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
On the surface, it wasn't too complicated a trade. The Niners were aiming to curb player spend and were willing to accept more than $31 million in dead money for a player who hadn't quite been the same since his mesmerizing 2021 campaign.
Meanwhile, Washington got a playmaker who can fully exploit their contender window with second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm.
On day three of the draft, San Francisco used that selection, No. 147 overall, on running back Jordan James out of Oregon.
But, the 49ers ought to send a thank-you note to veteran defensive back Marshon Lattimore for being able to grab James.
Marshon Lattimore brought draft pick with him to Commanders, one used to land Deebo Samuel
Last season, the New Orleans Saints traded the 28-year-old Lattimore to Washington in exchange for the Commanders' third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 draft.
Lattimore, however, brought NOLA's Round 5 selection with him in the deal, though.
So, in case you hadn't noticed by now, the Niners picked in NOLA's spot in the fifth round, not the 27th pick in the round where Washington would have selected (a pick ultimately dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles).
In grabbing James at No. 147 overall, San Francisco hopes it can develop one of many fifth-round gems it has had over the years, one of the most notable being All-Pro tight end George Kittle but a group that also included cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, and now-Denver Broncos defenders, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga.
Thanks, Marshon.