2020 NFL Draft: 3 under-the-radar prospects 49ers should watch

The San Francisco 49ers currently have just one pick in the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. But with five picks in Rounds 5 through 7, though, some less-known prospects should catch the Niners’ attention.

While a good chunk of the focus will center on what the San Francisco 49ers do at No. 31 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, it’s equally as important to stay focused on general manager John Lynch‘s efforts to grab some late-round value.

Especially this year.

The Niners currently own just one pick, No. 31 overall, between the first and fourth rounds of the draft. After that, San Francisco has two picks in Round 5, a sixth-round selection and then two more picks in Round 7.

And it isn’t as if Lynch and the 49ers haven’t had success finding talent late. All-Pro tight end George Kittle was a fifth-round pick back in 2017, and starting nose tackle D.J. Jones was a sixth-round grab the same year. 2019 rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw was a Round 5 selection, too.

Unlike previous seasons, though, the Niners aren’t seeking wholesale upgrades across the roster. With their Super Bowl window now open, Lynch instead will be looking for solid depth and developmental pieces at crucial positions, who could potentially take over for aging veterans who may wind up pricing themselves out of San Francisco’s comfort range.

Alas, the age-old battle good teams in the NFL seemingly fight on a year-to-year basis.

So it’s going to be important for the 49ers to find some proverbial “hidden gems” on day three of this year’s draft, especially considering the lack of picks on days one and two.

Niner Noise takes a look at three sleeper prospects whom the Niners could be watching closely leading up to the draft.