Niner Noise
FanSided

2016 NFL Draft: 5 Under-The-Radar Prospects the 49ers Should Target

By Rob Lowder

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on 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 podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Sep 26, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose State Spartans running back Tyler Ervin (7) scores a touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose State Spartans running back Tyler Ervin (7) scores a touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State

Draft Stock: Round 4 to 5

With all due respect to the admirable efforts of running backs Shaun Draugn and DuJuan Harris, some of the 49ers’ focus should be aimed towards finding a complimentary RB through the draft, rather than castaway free agents.

While Carlos Hyde is the clear leader in the backfield, he has shown a tendency for injury and Baalke should look to add quality depth at the RB position.

Tyler Ervin, RB from San Jose State, is the first under-the-radar prospect that the 49ers should and apparently are targeting, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee:

“Scouts and coaches from 25 NFL teams were on hand Wednesday to watch San Jose State running back Tyler Ervin at his pro day, including a large contingent of 49ers that included head coach Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins and running backs coach Tom Rathman.”

At 5’10” and 190 pounds, Ervin is a smart and patient back that uses his blockers well. Where Hyde seeks contact, Ervin avoids it with his quickness and acceleration. This could explain the current comparisons to Darren Sproles, or at the very least, the prospect of being used in a similar role.

He would prove a valuable pick in the fourth or fifth round and would be an excellent change-of-pace option alongside Hyde.

Next: Charone Peake