Why the 49ers should award Richie James Jr. the final spot at receiver
![Why the 49ers should award Richie James Jr. the final spot at receiver Why the 49ers should award Richie James Jr. the final spot at receiver](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MTY2NTA3MTU3Mzc2NzM4NTQ2/usatsi_13257205.jpg)
Through three preseason games, the wide receiver group for the San Francisco 49ers has begun to show some clarity. As it stands, the locks at the position are Marquise Goodwin, Deebo Samuel, Dante Pettis, Jalen Hurd and Trent Taylor. You can also throw in Jordan Matthews to the mix after the vote of confidence given by Kyle Shanahan a week ago.
That leaves Kendrick Bourne and Richie James Jr. as the two players fighting over the final spot at reciever. Now unless the 49ers keep eight receivers, which would be insane, then one of these two players are going to be cut. The San Francisco 49ers should award Richie James Jr. the final spot at wide receiver. It didn’t look like he would make the cut since Kendrick Bourne had been receiving praise for his strong training camp.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t capitalized on many opportunities when given a shot in games. Some of his drops have definitely hurt him, which has pretty much offset his impressive camp performance. Richie James Jr. on the other hand hasn’t wasted his opportunities. Last Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs he had the most gorgeous route against Bashuad Breeland that setup the passing touchdown to Matt Breida.
And that route by Richie James was filthy. That inside jab step with the head fake wooooo boy pic.twitter.com/uAWoi573Pf
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) August 25, 2019
That is a type of route that we don’t really see Kendrik Bourne execute well, which is a one cut stutter that reels in the defender. It also helps that James has some speed to him. There has been some inconsistencies, however, in Jame’s game which is fine because he can still be coached up. His stutter step is a perfect example that he can be that explosive receiver to aid the group.
Yet he carries more value to the San Francisco 49ers than Bourne does. At least with James, he can contribute and impact on special teams. When you’re that low on the depth chart it is critical to establish a presence on special teams. Richie James Jr. is likely the best bet at returner for the 49ers.
He fielded returns last season for the team and has looked good returning this preseason.Dante Pettis hasn’t risen to the occasion and I doubt the Kyle Shanahan will want to risk putting Deebo Samuel out there. Kendrick Bourne was the leading receiver for the 49ers last season and now his future with the team is questionable. The 49ers should award Richie James Jr. with the final spot at wide receiver.