RELATED
The move made plenty of sense. The 49ers traded away Jordan Mason this offseason—the team's leading rusher in 2024. While star running back Christian McCaffrey is finally healthy and Isaac Guerendo showed flashes during his rookie campaign, injuries ravaged the running back room last season. Reinforcements were needed heading into 2025.
Interestingly, James reminds the 49ers a lot of Mason, and general manager John Lynch explained why after the draft.
"We felt like losing [Jordan] Mason, he's a guy who can carry a heavy load if we're spelling Christian, if Isaac needs a rest," Lynch told team reporter Lindsey Pallares. "Or competing with Isaac for who's the better matchup for that specific week.
"Jordan (James), very similar style to [Mason], a guy who's a physical runner, has really good vision, has speed. It doesn't show up in the top end, but it shows up in his play."
James rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry in his final season at Oregon, per Sports Reference. In 2023, he averaged an even more impressive 7.1 yards per attempt, scoring 12 total touchdowns.
"I'm trying to get those points on the board," James told reporters after being drafted. "I want to be explosive in everything I do."
It's James' physical style of play that particularly attracted the 49ers. The nearly 5-foot-10 running back clocked a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine—not blazing speed, but when paired with his physicality, it's more than enough to be dangerous.
"And he's a physical runner," Lynch added. "He leaves a lot of defenders hurting, and it's a style we like, and I think he's going to complement what we do well. He also has some third-down versatility, really good hands, runs good routes.
"And so, Jordan James was kind of a no-brainer. We also think he can do some kickoff returning for us."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: What's up with Jordan Elliott's knee? Can SF stop Jonathan Taylor? What's on the 49ers' list for Santa?
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the final push toward the 2025 postseason. How far they will be able to go will depend on their health and how many young players perform. Especially since some are reserves who are playing for injured players. We opened the 49ers... -
Kyle Shanahan explains curious 49ers roster moves, sets expectations for Jordan Watkins
Twice this season—once ahead of a Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams and again before Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans—the San Francisco 49ers elevated defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez from the practice squad. In both instances, Valdez was ultimately... -
49ers' Trent Williams on NFL future: 'I'm nowhere near done'
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is not contemplating retirement anytime soon. Despite being 37 years old, Williams continues to perform at an elite level and believes he still has plenty of football left in him. Williams has earned a Pro Football Focus grade... -
49ers injury news: Postgame updates on George Kittle, others after win vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers picked up a decisive 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, improving to 11-4 on the season. However, the victory did not come without some injury concerns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media after the game and provided several...