2022 draft: 5 sleepers 49ers must watch closely at NFL Combine

49ers draft sleeper No. 4: DE Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati

The 2022 NFL Draft is chock full of pass-rushers from Rounds 1 through 7, and the 49ers would be silly to pass up on the opportunity to reinforce their pass rush.

Essentially, they need to anyway. Aside from EDGE Nick Bosa, the Niners have plenty of concerns with their pass-rush department. Is Dee Ford going to return from his series of injuries? Will the team be able to re-sign depth pass-rushers like Arden Key and Jordan Willis?

Had Cincinnati defensive end Myjai Sanders backed up his impressive seven-sack 2020 campaign again in 2021, he might have put himself into consideration for a first-round pick this year. Alas, however, he managed a mere 2.5 sacks over 14 games played, likely dropping his stock down into the fourth round.

That said, the 6-foot-5, 258-pound Sanders could easily bounce back into day-two consideration with an excellent scouting combine, provided he performs well in both the 40-yard dash and 20-yard shuttle drills.

If those workouts go well and the Niners want to address their pass-rushing needs in the middle of the draft, Sanders could be an intriguing target.