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Pro Football & Sports Network contributor Owain Jones recently named one Offensive Rookie of the Year contender for each of the NFL’s 32 teams. The San Francisco 49ers didn’t select an offensive player until the fourth round—No. 138 overall—after opening the draft with five straight defensive picks. That undoubtedly made Jones’ decision for the Bay Area team a challenge.
Jones named the 49ers’ fifth-round pick, former Oregon running back Jordan James, as the team’s Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
“Over the years, the Kyle Shanahan system has consistently produced exceptional rookie seasons for running backs, including those drafted in later rounds,” Jones explained. “Jordan James had 1,267 rushing yards on 233 carries in 2024 and has the potential to be the next breakout star in Shanahan’s offense.”
However, there’s a major obstacle: James is expected to compete for the third running back spot—at best—behind star Christian McCaffrey and second-year back Isaac Guerendo, who seem firmly entrenched atop the depth chart. While James could carve out a role, producing the kind of numbers needed to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors seems highly unlikely.
For James to post award-worthy stats, something would have to go horribly wrong for the 49ers offense, similar to last season, when McCaffrey missed all but four games with injuries, and backup Jordan Mason also missed time. That situation thrust rookie Guerendo into the starting lineup, and even he couldn’t avoid an injury down the stretch.
Mason has since been traded to the Minnesota Vikings, but McCaffrey is healthy again and expected to power head coach Kyle Shanahan’s ground attack while contributing as a pass catcher. Guerendo averaged five yards per carry last season, earning himself more opportunities in his second NFL campaign.
RELATED Jordan Watkins emerges as 49ers’ offseason surprise
The one 49ers offensive rookie who might have a shot at a more substantial role in 2025 is wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who has impressed throughout the offseason.
Meanwhile, James has at least two running backs ahead of him, quarterback Kurtis Rourke is still recovering from ACL surgery, and wide receiver Junior Bergen is expected to contribute on special teams primarily.
The 49ers’ only other offensive draft pick was guard Connor Colby, making it difficult to choose candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
H/t to Mike Masala of Niners Wire for the find.
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