5 sleeper draft prospects 49ers must watch closely at NFL Combine

49ers Prospect No. 1: Luke Schoonmaker, Tight End, Michigan

One of the reasons George Kittle was a fifth-round pick in 2017 was, despite his talent, he didn’t have the production of top prospects. He had only 22 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns in his senior year, with the receptions and yardage being collegiate career-highs.

Luke Schoonmaker has a lot of similarities to Kittle. He certainly has intriguing potential for the NFL but was buried on the Michigan depth chart with the result that he had only 35 receptions for 418 yards and three touchdowns last season with the Wolverines.

Schoonmaker looks like a perfect fit to be the second tight end for San Francisco. He’s an accomplished run blocker and was excellent at Michigan, a big tick for the 49ers who value tight ends (indeed, any offensive player) who can lay a good block in the run game.

Exactly where Schoonmaker stands when it comes to his receiving potential is a mystery, given his lack of production at Michigan. Still, he does look a good threat out of play action (another tick as a fit for the Niners), and he looks good at attacking the seam as well.

Schoonmaker does have some drawbacks as you would expect. He’s old and will be a 25-year-old rookie. He’s not especially talented when it comes to athleticism, and as a result, his upside is minimal.

But for a pick on Day 3, Schoonmaker looks like he could outperform his potential draft placement.