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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Late-Round Prospects the 49ers Should Target

By Jerod Brown

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Jay Lee (4) carries the ball past Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Micah Awe (18) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Jay Lee (4) carries the ball past Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Micah Awe (18) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Jay Lee-Wide Receiver-Baylor

This is not the first time Jay Lee’s name has been mentioned on this site. He was impressive in the Senior Bowl and throughout the entire Senior Bowl practice week.

In early January, Lee was ranked 229th on Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller’s Overall Top 300 prospect list. He’ll be available on the third day of the draft, specifically in the sixth or seventh round. At that value, the 49ers should race to the podium to select Lee.

Of course, drafting Lee late depends on how Kelly and Baalke feel about the receivers currently on the roster. Additionally, Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell has seen his name offered as the 49ers pick in the first round. Introducing Treadwell to the roster may negate the benefits of drafting Lee.

Lee has the size to rival a current 49er that is set to enter free agency, Anquan Boldin. The 49ers should re-sign Boldin but they may not have a choice if he’d like to play for a team that competes for a championship in the immediate future. If Boldin leaves, the 49ers will need to find themselves a strong, possession receiver that can replace Boldin over time.

Enter Jay Lee.

Boldin will be a Hall-of-Fame player when he decides to retire and expecting any rookie, regardless of draft position, to replace him is difficult. Drafting Lee late might reduce the immediate pressure to perform and allow the young man time to develop as an NFL receiver.

Lee drew some attention at the Senior Bowl and will continue to be noticed as more people assess his teammate at Baylor, wide receiver Corey Coleman. Lee, despite being a second-option to Coleman, has the skills to be a solid player at the NFL level. Others have already noticed.

Lee will need to join a team that doesn’t expect immediate results. Let him grow alongside NFL coaching and he’ll be produce within a year or two.

If the 49ers lose Anquan Boldin, they should consider targeting Jay Lee late as an eventual replacement.

Next: Stuffing The Run