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

49ers draft sleeper No. 3: OL Cordell Volson, NDSU

San Francisco going after a former teammate of soon-to-be starting quarterback Trey Lance‘s collegiate days would be wise for a number of reasons.

First, the 49ers would be getting someone familiar with Lance’s tendencies. Second, there are simply a lot of reasons why the Niners should like NDSU offensive tackle Cordell Volson.

Volson is an aggressive run-blocker with a nasty side to him, a willingness to put defenders into the ground at every opportunity. And with San Francisco enamored with the pro-style offense NDSU runs, Volson shouldn’t have too much difficulty translating into what the 49ers want to do.

Read More: 49ers should target Trey Lance’s former teammate on Day 3 of NFL Draft

While the 6-foot-7, 313-pound Volson isn’t quite as adept in pass protection and might project to be a better guard at the pro level, the Niners nevertheless have depth concerns for their offensive line that need to be addressed late in the draft anyway.

Some of Volson’s workouts, particularly his speed and agility, might convince San Francisco to put a higher grade on him than just a sixth- or seventh-round flier pick.

And that might be worthwhile anyway.