Frank Gore, who apparently gave the 49ers' fourth-round selection of Jordan James his blessing, approved the pick.
The San Francisco 49ers spent the bulk of the 2025 NFL Draft listening to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's requests, stocking up on defensive players to shore up what was a lackluster and then-depleted defense from 2024 into the offseason.
Apparently, the Niners were listening to one of their all-time greats and current member of the scouting department, future Hall of Fame running back Frank Gore.
The No. 3 all-time leading rusher in NFL history apparently played a key role in San Francisco's fourth-round selection of Oregon running back Jordan James, whom the team selected at No. 147 overall -- the same pick acquired in last March's trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
According to a Twitter/X post from CEO Jed York right before James was picked, Gore signed off on the selection:
If a future HoF RB likes you, seems good enough for me
— Jed York (@JedYork) April 26, 2025
The 49ers spent considerable time at Oregon's pro day, but it appears as if Gore had a direct connection to the Niners' newest rusher.
At least according to James himself.
"That means a lot," James said of Gore's endorsement after finding out about it, via NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan. "Just the caliber of player he was. That’s a Hall of Fame running back right there and just to get a compliment from him on my game, that means a lot. He is actually good friends with my old running back coach. So, he knows about me. He kept in touch with me, things like that."
It's not hard to see what San Francisco liked about James. A dual-purpose back who is just as adept in the receiving game, the 5-foot-10 and 205-pound rusher managed over 1,200 yards on 233 carries for 15 touchdowns for the Ducks last season.
Gore was unquestionably drawn to James' compact frame and the ability to break tackles, but the rookie's change-of-direction abilities had to be attractive, too.
"We're fired up on Jordan," general manager John Lynch revealed after the draft. "This was a really strong running back class. There was a lot of depth to it. I think the fact that Jordan James was there when we took him in the fifth, I think there was a feeling amongst teams that it was such a deep class, we can wait. And there was a group of guys, and we had him at a certain grade, and we were pleased that he was still there.
"And a powerful back. Runs through tackles, has not necessarily tremendous top-end speed, but he's got dart and burst. We think there are some things that will come alive in the way we play that fit our system."
Lynch also mentioned how Gore was in the draft room and gave a nod to York when asked whether or not James would be a solid pick.
The 49ers churned through running backs aplenty last season, including All-Pro Christian McCaffrey missing all but four games because of various injury ailments.
With McCaffrey back and healthy, the Niners nevertheless needed an infusion of talent, especially after watching depth rushers Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason depart during the offseason.
Now, James will compete behind McCaffrey alongside second-year pro Isaac Guerendo and special teams ace Patrick Taylor Jr. for a spot on San Francisco's depth chart.
We'll have to see if Gore has anything to say about that.