ESPN's Mike Clay evaluated the landscape for rookie NFL running backs, projecting the potential roles of several first-year players. Among them is Jordan James, whom the San Francisco 49ers selected in the fifth round of the draft out of Oregon. James joins a backfield led by All-Pro Christian McCaffrey and second-year runner Isaac Guerendo.
Interestingly, Sterling Xie of Pro Football & Sports Network even suggested that the arrivals of James and undrafted free agent Corey Kiner could make Guerendo a potential trade candidate. However, that scenario seems unlikely, as the 49ers restocked their running back room after injuries last season forced them to dig deep into the depth chart just to field a full game-day roster.
However, Clay isn't convinced James is ready to climb the depth chart just yet. He categorized the rookie as more of a developmental or depth piece.
"San Francisco's RB room looks a lot different from last season, as Jordan Mason was traded away and Elijah Mitchell signed with the Chiefs," Clay wrote. "James should make the 53-man roster, but he's likely to work behind Christian McCaffrey, Isaac Guerendo and perhaps Patrick Taylor Jr. James' collegiate efficiency was all over the map."
Although James racked up 1,267 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season at Oregon—adding 26 receptions for 209 yards—Clay projects the rookie will log just 12 carries for 51 yards and no touchdowns in 2025, along with two catches for 15 yards.
"His career 3.0 yards after contact per carry was below average, but he also had class-best 11% negative run and 49% 5-plus-yard run rates," Clay added. "James is limited as a receiver and underwhelmed at the combine."
Meanwhile, McCaffrey is aiming to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2024 season and return to his 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year form. If he succeeds, it could mean even fewer opportunities for Guerendo, James, and the rest of the 49ers' backfield.