1.16 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS — RB LaMichael James

In the real world: James became a household name soon after replacing LeGarrette Blount in 2009 (Blount had been suspended for punching Boise State LB Byron Hout). James considered (but ultimately decided against) turning pro after 2010. He's speedy (4.37 40, one of the fastest RBs at the Combine) and can change directions on a dime. During the Rose Bowl, Brent Musberger suggested that he would make an excellent 3rd-down back in the NFL. Mel Kiper ranked him #2 among this year's RBs, ahead of Doug Martin, David Wilson and Lamar Miller. Todd McShay after the draft: "Head coach Jim Harbaugh will get creative with James, and you can be sure the 49ers would not have taken him if they didn't already have a plan in mind. He'll be a great complement to the north-south runners already on the roster with his wiggle in space and ability to contribute in the passing game. James could also contribute in the running game, and if used properly his versatility could yield more from four or five touches than others get from 14 or 15." Here's what I like about James. You remember earlier how I criticized David Wilson on short-yardage situations? Well, here were James' numbers for first-and-goal, second-and-goal, third-and-short and fourth-and-short carries last year: 175 yards and 12 TDs on 36 carries. You wanna call him a third-down back, Mr. Musberger? I think he'll be more than that.

In the TUFF world: Pittsburgh may already have Darren McFadden, the Colts' running backs and the Packers' running backs, but I figure they took James with the future in mind, because the Colt and Packer running backs are just not reliable enough to start at this point.