The San Francisco 49ers drafted wide receiver Richie James Jr. in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Seen as somewhat of a developmental player, he saw limited game time at the position. James would, however, be the Niners’ go-to man for punt and kickoff returns for the majority of the 2018 season.
James returned 12 punts for 75 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per return. Where he really stood out, though, was in his kick returns. James returned 23 kicks for 580 yards, averaging 25.2 yards per return and one touchdown.
His 97-yard kickoff return touchdown in Week 15’s win over the Seattle Seahawks was the 49ers’ first of such since way back in 2011:
That being said, the fact James is a great returner of the football won’t guarantee him a roster position this year.