5 sleeper targets for 49ers on day three of 2020 NFL Draft

The 49ers losing defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Sheldon Day to the Indianapolis Colts via a trade and free agency, respectively, creates some glaring wonders about the depth, or lack of it, along San Francisco’s defensive line.

There are some possible fill-ins, of course, including the former No. 3 overall pick from 2017, Solomon Thomas, as well as fellow linemen Kentavius Street, Jullian Taylor and the recently signed Kerry Hyder.

Still, there’s some need to find reinforcements.

No one player will replace Buckner. But having a solid rotational piece with some pass-rush potential will go a long way. And that’s where Arkansas defensive tackle McTelvin Agim comes into the equation.

For starters, Agim ran a 4.98 40-yard time at the NFL Combine, and it’s rare to see a 300-pound lineman churn out speed of that kind. His short, squatty frame suggests a 1-technique nose tackle, which can help back up the starter, D.J. Jones. But Agim also bolsters enough pass-rushing prowess to suggest he can be a regular part of the rotation, potentially more.

At worst, Agim looks to be the kind of interior presence who can lock up opponents’ blockers and free up pass-rushing lanes for other defensive linemen. While rarely heralded, these players are key to a defense’s success.