San Francisco 49ers Draft Results: Grading the Selection of LaMichael James

The San Francisco 49ers are doing everything in their power in the 2012 NFL draft to ensure that the 26th-ranked offense from 2011 doesn’t again rear its often ugly face this season.

After adding speedy wide receiver A.J. Jenkins with their first-round pick, GM Trent Baalke selected Oregon’s dynamic running back, LaMichael James at No. 61 overall.

James was one of the most explosive offensive weapons in all of college football for the last three seasons.

As a freshman in 2009, he rushed for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns at a 6.7-per-carry clip. He added 17 catches for 168 yards.

In 2010, James led the NCAA with 1,731 rushing yards and 1,939 yards and 24 total touchdowns from scrimmage.

As if not to be undone in his junior year, James compiled a career-high 1,805 rushing yards at a ridiculous 7.3 yards per carry and 2,015 yards from scrimmage. Add 18 touchdowns on the ground and one each through the air and via a punt return to his growing list of accomplishments.

Simply put, the 5’8’’, 194-pound James epitomizes consistency, production and home run threat.

In the interest of journalistic integrity, James will arrive at the 49ers camp with some identifiable weaknesses.

His 194-pound frame will leave some to be desired in the area of pass protection, despite his willingness to fulfill these responsibilities. He also displayed some instances of exposing the rock to defenders, leading to a moderate fumble percentage (much improved during his senior season).

Additionally, James might not have as much success breaking tackles in the NFL. He possesses great overall strength, but won’t run over any linebacker at the next level.

Then again, he won’t have to. His speed, agility, vision and competitiveness will provide all he needs to succeed for the 49ers.

Let’s now segue into the more pertinent aspect regarding LaMichael James. How will he fit with the 49ers offense and special teams?

Some will immediately point to the fact that this team already has a smaller, change-of-pace back and outside runner in Kendall Hunter. While I agree somewhat, Hunter is not nearly as fast or elusive as James.

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman will salivate at the myriad ways in which to diversify their West Coast offense through the former Oregon back. He thrives in screens, has reliable hands and will take it to the house with any daylight in front of him.

Despite being an underrated inside runner, Frank Gore will continue to occupy that role. Both James and Hunter will only take this offense to greater heights, removing it from the dregs of the lowly NFL rankings. Both will help convert that deplorable third-down and red-zone conversion percentage from 2011 into a more respectable number in 2012.

The 49ers organization and fans alike scored big with this move. This team was simply in a position to draft for BPA (best player available) and make a luxury selection.

I can guarantee that many will lambast Trent Baalke for neglecting to select a right guard, cornerback or defensive lineman through the first two rounds.

But, again, this is not and was never a need-based draft for the San Francisco 49ers.

With all of the offseason additions and two recent draftees in Jenkins and James, the offense for the Red and Gold will show to the NFL that the 26th-ranked unit in 2011 was a thing of the past.

Oh, he’ll also pair with Ted Ginn on kick and punt returns if special teams coach Brad Seely ever feels so inclined.

Grade: A