Sleeper Prospects for the San Francisco 49ers to Consider After Round 1

Will San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke move up or down in the upcoming NFL draft? What positional need do the 49ers most covet? Is there another draft trade in the works? 

All those questions and more can't be answered in this article, but with the draft finally upon us, answers will arrive soon. Of course, the three-day draft takes some excitement out of the process, but at this point, I'm sure we're all just glad it has finally arrived. 

Everyone loves the first round, but the best days in the draft process come Friday and Saturday. From the big-name draft selections who dropped to the crafty trades, Day 2 and Day 3 seem to bring the most excitement. 

We also get to see sleeper prospects in the second and third day of the draft go off the board. Every draft has them, and this year is no exception. 

Without further ado, let's evaluate some sleeper prospects that could fit well with this 49ers club. 

Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State Beavers

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With Colin Kaepernick at the helm, logic dictates the 49ers find a backup with a similar skill set. However, I feel a pure pocket backup would do wonders for Kaepernick and this offense. Mobility is a great skill to have, but you still win games from the pocket in this league. 

This is why a guy like Sean Mannion is a perfect backup for Kaepernick. 

Similar to Zach Mettenberger from the 2014 draft, Mannion was a statue in the pocket when he played for the Oregon State Beavers. He can't evade pass-rushers with his legs, but Mannion has the accuracy and poise to flourish in the pocket if protected. 

At 6'6'', he also has the prototypical size and arm strength you're looking for in a developmental prospect. I don't believe Mannion is a starter at the next level, but at the very least, he'll give Blaine Gabbert some competition for the backup spot. 

For a mid-to-late round pick, I'd say Mannion would be a nice selection for the 49ers. 

Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Stanford Cardinal

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While many analysts and fans have projected the 49ers will take Arik Armstead with their first-round selection at No. 15, I'm one of the few who believe Baalke should pass on a lineman in the early rounds. 

Look, I like Armstead as a prospect. In a few years from now, he could be a really good player along the defensive line. However, I just can't see him making an impact this season. 

Armstead probably won't start, and at No. 15, why not grab a player who can make an immediate impact? Not to mention, the draft is littered with defensive ends, such as Armstead, who are projects at the next level. Heck, you could probably find a player in the third or fourth round who's more pro ready right now than Armstead. 

A guy like Henry Anderson comes to mind. 

Anderson isn't as talented as Armstead, but he can easily make an impact as a rotational player this season. He has the versatility to line up at almost every position along the defensive line and could carve out a role in base downs. 

The upside isn't there, but his addition would provide valuable depth for this 49ers defense. 

Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

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If you want the premier deep threat in this draft, look no further than Devin Smith of the Ohio State Buckeyes. There's a reason why many people compare this kid to DeSean Jackson. 

Now, I understand the Torrey Smith addition might make Devin Smith a luxury selection, but you can never have enough speed at receiver. A Devin Smith and Torrey Smith combination would downright terrorize opposing defenses. It also would open up the offense for Anquan Boldin up the middle and Vernon Davis up the seam. 

Not to mention, the running backs would face less stacked boxes with two downfield threats at receiver. You want to improve your running game? This is one way to go about it. 

The 49ers also wouldn't have to use a first-round pick on Devin Smith. Some team might use a late first-rounder on Smith, but I have him going somewhere in the second round. The 49ers could trade down at No. 15 and acquire more selections in order to grab Smith later in the draft. 

This also would give Baalke the freedom to select a cornerback or possibly an offensive lineman with his first-round selection.

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon Ducks

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At just 5'9'', I'm sure fans will disregard Ifo Ekpre-Olomu as just a situational player at the next level. We all know the NFL is in love with bigger cornerbacks, so guys like Ekpre-Olomu will get overlooked. 

I'm here to tell you that would be a big mistake. 

Ekpre-Olomu is a combination of Jason Verrett and Antoine Winfield. He isn't as good of a prospect as Verrett coming out, but the gap would be smaller if Ekpre-Olomu wasn't coming off a serious injury. 

When healthy, Ekpre-Olomu has the instincts, foot speed and fluidity to be an exceptional slot corner at the pro level. He could even compete as the No. 2 corner on defense. Ekpre-Olomu has experience playing all over the secondary.

With Jimmie Ward in the slot, he may have trouble seeing the field in the first few years of his career. However, Ward will likely make the switch to safety in a year or two, which should open up more playing time for Ekpre-Olomu. 

At the very least, Ekpre-Olomu will be an ace contributor on special teams as a gunner. 

I wouldn't suggest the 49ers take Ekpre-Olomu in the first two rounds, but he would be a fantastic get for Baalke in the third or fourth round. In a few years, this guy can be a special player in the secondary.