The 49ers selected Oregon RB Jordan James with the 147th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. James is one of the youngest players in the entire class. (He turned just 21 in March.) After splitting carries with Bucky Irving in 2023, James moved up to the 1A in the Oregon offense in 2024. The result: 1,267 yards and 15 TDs, good for 90.5 rushing yards per game and 1.07 TDs per game. His advanced metrics weren’t as rosy, though. Among 82 RBs with 150+ carries, James ranked 61st in yards after contact per attempt and 37th in Pro Football Focus Elusive Rating. Like most backs at Oregon, he’s shifty with great deep speed and receiving ability. He isn’t on the same level as Irving, but James has room to improve given his young age.
The 49ers replace Jordan Mason with another physical runner who can fit their zone blocking scheme.
James isn't the best athlete, but he is a good receiver who cut into Bucky Irving's playing time at Oregon
This is also good news for RB Isaac Guerendo who likely sticks as the back-up to Christian McCaffrey
James fits the 49ers scheme well as a one-cut runner with solid vision and movement skills.
He could be worth an end of the roster depth stash due to the injury history of RBs Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo.
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