With the No. 61 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have selected running back LaMichael James out of Oregon . Jesse Sapolu was on hand to announce the pick. James is something of a luxury pick for the 49ers, who don't have any holes on the roster right now, and can afford to do so. James will join a crowded backfield of Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Anthony Dixon and Brandon Jacobs - though it's safe to say one of those guys will be gone.
Here's what Mocking The Draft had to say about James in their scouting report:
Final word: James has good athleticism and competes on every snap. He was perhaps the most dangerous open field running back in college football at attacking the perimeter while at Oregon. James was very consistent with his production, in three years he totaled 4,923 yards rushing and scored 52 rushing touchdowns. He is aggressive when attacking the outside and cutback lanes. Overall, I feel in time James will have an impact on a NFL team such as ex-Eagles running back Brian Westbrook with their comparable styles.
It does look like a solid pick at face value. He'll have to compete, but realistically, he'll be competing with Kendall Hunter for the main backup/change-of-pace job. He'll join A.J. Jenkins, the 49ers' first-round pick. San Francisco knew they wanted James several picks before they were on the clock, with Jed York referencing "our guy" in a Tweet prior to the actual selection.
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