Richie James Added to 49ers’ Wide Receiver Corps

At 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds, Richie James is on the small side for an NFL wide receiver.But James, from Middle Tennessee State, produced in a big way in college and caught the eye of the 49ers, who used their final pick in the just-completed NFL draft to get James.James ranks No. 1 in Middle Tennessee State history in catches (244), receiving yards (3,261) and TD catches (23). His final season was shortened because of a broken collarbone in 2017, but he still had 31 catches.Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote that although James' size would indicate he might be best as a slot receiver, he'll start out at one of the wideout positions, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.At the time of his selection by the Niners, James received a vote of approval from longtime ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr."Wide receiver who made big plays in that Blue Raider offense," said Kiper on TV. "He can catch the ball and then take that big hit. Has some quickness, has some ability to gain some separation and then on the sidelines, be able to get the foot inbounds. For Richie James, a great opportunity to make a team in the NFL."Former Middle Tennessee State safety Kevin Byard, now a Pro Bowl...