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49ers: 5 Day Two prospects to watch for at Combine

By Logan Stanley

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Wide receiver Michael Gallup #4 of the Colorado State Rams runs the ball 18 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on November 26, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Wide receiver Michael Gallup #4 of the Colorado State Rams runs the ball 18 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on November 26, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Wide receiver Michael Gallup

Age: 21 / Height: 6-foot-1 / Weight: 200 pounds

Now that the front office has locked up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a long-term deal, it is all about building around their franchise cornerstone piece. Even without No. 1 wide receiver Pierre Garçon, Garoppolo was able to get ample production out of the unit.

Currently, Garçon, Marquise Goodwin and Trent Taylor are set to be the top three options for Garoppolo next season. Kendrick Bourne will most likely see an increased role as well.

But I don’t believe San Francisco is finished adding to the group. Colorado State’s Michael Gallup fits nicely here.

After transferring from junior college, Gallup posted impressive numbers during his time spent at Colorado State. In 25 games played, Gallup had 170 receptions for 2,622 yards and 22 touchdowns. Gallup was a Biletnikoff Award finalist in 2017.

At 6-foot-1, Gallup would be tied with Bourne as the team’s tallest wide receiver. Gallup’s physicality would be a nice addition to the red zone, an area where the 49ers struggled with Garoppolo.

San Francisco only converted 47 percent of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns last season, which was No. 27 in the NFL. Gallup’s ability to go up and snatch the ball at the high point is certainly an asset, one that would benefit the 49ers offense greatly.

With clean route running skills and a knack for yards after the catch, Gallup presents a threat that head coach Kyle Shanahan desires.

PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu

Age: 21 / Height: 6-foot-2 / Weight: 240 pounds

Despite the improvement from the San Francisco front seven in 2017, there was one aspect where no progress was made: rushing the passer.

Undeniably, opposing teams had a much harder time running the ball against the 49ers this past season than previous years. With four first-round players in the unit, the investment was significant and is now appearing to pay dividends.

Yet, San Francisco has had quite the trouble trying to find a viable and effective pass rusher. And with the uncertainty surrounding the outside linebacker positions, there is a certain prospect that is potentially an unique match.

USC linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is that prospect. In his senior season, Nwosu had 9.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.

The versatility of Nwosu means he could line up at any linebacker position. But as the Niners Wire Jerod Brown‘s points out, the WILL position is best suited for Nwosu.

Malcolm Smith, the likely starting WILL linebacker, is coming off a pectoral injury that caused him to miss all of the 2017 season. Nwosu would provide depth behind Smith.

The 21-year-old could also line up on the edge, which is where the 49ers would get the most value out of him. Nwosu is athletic and powerful, both traits sought after in pass rushers.