San Francisco 49ers: 5 sleeper wide receivers to target in NFL Draft

49ers Draft Target No. 1: Nico Collins, Michigan

If Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins falls into Round 4 of the NFL Draft, the 49ers should absolutely pounce.

Collins opting out of the 2020 season is a big reason why he’ll probably fall from day two of the draft, as his 2019 tape is the last game evidence anyone has to evaluate him. That said, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver has all the intangibles to be a true mismatch nightmare at the next level.

While many big-bodied receivers frequently lack both the separation skills and speed necessary, Collins possesses those, too. He’s able to get beyond defensive backs with straight-line speed, and his route-running abilities are good enough to continue honing at the NFL level. True, he needs some polish here, and his rookie season will likely require a team like the Niners to proverbially “knock some rust off.”

But for a team needing a true deep threat who can also make contested catches with regularity, few day-three options check off the boxes more than Collins.

And considering San Francisco has other complementary weapons on the field, Collins shouldn’t have to worry too much about drawing overwhelming attention right away. That’ll work to his benefit.