49ers NFL Draft: 1 pass-rusher to target in each round

49ers NFL Draft Target Rd. 7: Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa

Elerson Smith, measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, is one of the taller NFL draft prospects in 2021. But he doesn’t solely rely on his physical prowess to contribute.

Smith sat out 2020 because of COVID-19. But in 2019, he had 63 tackles with 21.5 of them coming for a loss, 14 sacks, five forced fumbles and four passes broken up.

Those stats were fantastic, yes. However, the level of competition he faced at Northern Iowa in the FCS, as well as a perceived lack of pro-level power, could affect his draft status and ultimately force him to fall until late on day three.

While Smith doesn’t display elite explosiveness and is a liability in run defense, thereby limiting his use to solely being a situational pass-rusher, he does have an exceptional get-off and good bend and agility, especially for his size.

With a late-round flier, the Niners could find a high-upside player with some potential.