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2018 NFL Draft: 5 sleeper picks for the 49ers in the later rounds

By Peter Panacy

PULLMAN, WA - OCTOBER 21: Phillip Lindsay #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes is tackled by Hercules Mata'afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Martin Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA - OCTOBER 21: Phillip Lindsay #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes is tackled by Hercules Mata'afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Martin Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK – APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Niner Noise explores five sleeper picks the San Francisco 49ers should consider in the 2018 NFL Draft, maximizing value in the later rounds of draft day this upcoming April.

The San Francisco 49ers own nine picks for the 2018 NFL Draft. Six of those selections fall on day three of the draft, between Rounds 4 and 7, on April 28.

Almost all the hype and attention focuses on the first round, or two, on draft day. This is where you’ll see most mocks and high-profile prospects broken down by team need.

While important, it’s equally as crucial to land value and sleeper picks on the later rounds.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Case in point, the Niners grabbed former Miami defensive back Adrian Colbert with their final pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. Colbert ended up being a steal, eventually earning a starting job at free safety and in prime position to retain that role in 2018.

Tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Trent Taylor (both taken in Round 5 a year ago) also made general manager John Lynch look pretty smart.

Those sleepers are out there, and it’s worth breaking down some lesser-known talent as San Francisco prepares to add more rookie talent for the upcoming season.

In this slideshow, we’ll explore five sleeper targets the 49ers should consider this NFL Draft. For the sake of consistency, we’ll stick with prospects projected to go in Round 5 or later — the latter rounds of the draft.

Can San Francisco tab some more gems?

Perhaps, if these names are on the radar.

Note: All scouting reports those of Niner Noise unless otherwise indicated.