Should I Start Jordan James?

Tuesday, April 21, 12:40 PM

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James spent his rookie season buried on the Niners' running back depth chart. James was slowed by a preseason injury and did not record a single carry during the regular season. However, the 22-year-old recorded six carries for 28 yards during the 49ers' NFC Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks and drew praise from San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan for the way he closed the year. Offseason reporting indicates that James could be the frontrunner to open 2026 as the primary backup to star 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. If that comes to fruition, James would be just one injury away from fantasy prominence. In dynasty formats, James profiles as a sneaky buy-low candidate whose value will likely gain traction following the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.