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2017 NFL Draft: 5 Mid-Round Players Who Can Start for the 49ers

By Robert Smith

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Drake tight end Eric Saubert speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Drake tight end Eric Saubert speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Saubert, Tight End

It may seem as though the 49ers are set at tight end, especially after re-signing Vance McDonald and bringing in blocking tight end Logan Paulsen as a free agent from the Washington Redskins.

Along with Blake Bell and Garrett Celek, there seems to be a logjam at the position.

However Eric Saubert, a standout at Drake who hauled in 17 touchdowns the past two seasons, could provide a red-zone target and middle-of-the-field safety valve for quarterback Brian Hoyer (or a young QB).

The 49ers have lacked the big-play ability from the tight end position since former Niners tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker left town.

Saubert could also open up the outside for wide receivers Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin and any other receiver (Zay Jones, for example) the 49ers have on the roster come September.

He has a good combination of size and speed, and a knack for big plays.

Saubert hauled in 56 passes for 776 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016.

And although the stats are impressive, he seems to be the type of player who slides into the middle rounds of the draft but blossoms in the NFL when surrounded by other playmakers.

Saubert could be a steal in the mid-to-late rounds in April.