On day three of the 2025 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers' all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore, gave a personal nod to the front office when it made the selection of former Oregon running back Jordan James at No. 147 overall, the very same pick the Niners acquired in the previous March's blockbuster trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
At a surface level, it didn't appear as if James would have a clear-cut path to a key role within head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. After all, San Francisco was anticipating a fully healthy return of the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, and also got promising production from the 2024 rookie, Isaac Guerendo, over the latter half of last season.
That said, James might end up being more vital to Shanahan's offense than originally anticipated.
Jordan James may impact 49ers right away in Year 1
Following a three-year collegiate career in which he totaled 2,215 rush yards, 347 receiving yards and 32 total touchdowns over 38 games played, the 5-foot-9 and 208-pound tailback could, at least in theory, become the next under-the-radar rusher who somehow ends up thriving in a Shanahan-type system, not unlike how previous unknown running backs (i.e. Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert) came to prominence under the 49ers head coach.
The context is there, too.
McCaffrey missed all but four games last season while dealing with multiple injuries. And, while all signs point to him being fully healthy, it wouldn't be a shocker to see the Niners limit the 29-year-old All-Pro's touches over the course of 2025 to help keep him fresh.
Likewise, despite his own displays of promise, Guerendo also dealt with injuries last season.
Easing the matter for James, San Francisco cleared out its running back room during the offseason, too, bidding farewell to the oft-injured Elijah Mitchell via free agency and then trading its leading rusher from 2024, Jordan Mason, to the Minnesota Vikings.
Two less obstacles in the way of James' ascent up the depth chart.
While the rookie might still be slotted behind both McCaffrey and Guerendo to open up the year, one would assume either injuries or a balanced rotation would give the former Duck ample opportunities to prove himself right away.
The 49ers needed to go that route a year ago, which benefited Guerendo. They may encounter a similar situation again in 2025.
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