Niner Noise
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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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TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Jaleel Scott #16 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after winning in the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game against the Utah State Aggies at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. The New Mexico State Aggies defeated the Utah State Aggies 26-20 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Jaleel Scott #16 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after winning in the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game against the Utah State Aggies at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. The New Mexico State Aggies defeated the Utah State Aggies 26-20 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Wide Receiver Jaleel Scott, New Mexico State

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Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense is predicated more on speed and separation than physicality. It’s one of the reasons the 49ers boasted the NFL’s shortest crop of wide receivers in 2017.

This offense finally gained some rhythm over the second half of the season, but it didn’t eliminate red-zone problems. At the year’s conclusion, the Niners finished 27th in red-zone scoring efficiency, per TeamRankings.com.

What’s needed is a big mistmatch threat, and New Mexico State wideout Jaleel Scott provides that.

At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Scott’s small-school pedigree shouldn’t be too much to worry about. NFLDraftScout.com lists him as a Round 4 or 5 prospect, meaning he could fall right into San Francisco’s collective lap on day three.

Scott doesn’t exactly possess breakneck speed, though, although his long strides make for good acceleration and the ability to get behind defensive backs. A strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine might result in a boost in draft stock. But for now, he remains a sleeper.

One of the things to be worried about with Scott is his transition to Shanahan’s complex system, which requires precise route-running to maximize separation.

Scott’s physical stature didn’t require him to do this at New Mexico State, as he was more inclined to use his size to box out defenders on contested catches. That’s something to watch, but there’s little doubt Scott could be a major X-factor.