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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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No. 5: Offensive Tackle Alex Cappa, Humboldt State

College Statistics

The 49ers are going to need to think about their offensive tackle position at some point sooner than later.

Left tackle Joe Staley is aging, and right tackle Trent Brown is either in line for a lucrative extension or may not figure into the team’s long-term plans — a question brought up by 2017 injuries last season.

The good news is San Francisco won’t have to invest heavily at this spot right away, meaning they can take a mid-to-late-round flier on a player it would like to develop.

One player to watch is left tackle Alex Cappa out of Humboldt State.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller listed Cappa as one of his late-round sleeper picks, and here’s what he had to say about him:

"A standout at a small school, Alex Cappa has the tools to be a starter in the NFL within a season or two. The good news is he’s already working with famed offensive line coach LeCharles Bentley in his preparation for the Senior Bowl and the NFL draft. To go from Humboldt to the NFL, you need a little extra help, but Cappa has the foundation to be very good and is now getting the right guidance."

The small-school pedigree is a major reason why NFLdraftscout.com lists him as a Round 5 or 6 prospect. But with an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl should give him a chance to compete in front of a larger stage and showcase his talents.

If Cappa holds up well versus the competition, he might be worth an extended look on draft day.