San Francisco 49ers: 5 Sleepers to target in 2018 NFL Draft

1. Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern

The perceived notion with Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida and Joe Williams already in the 49ers’ backfield, is that San Francisco needs a bigger runner as a complement who can excel in short yardage. But larger tailbacks have never been high on the Kyle Shanahan wishlist and he could add another athletic runner who excels in space but also in short yardage in the form of Northwestern’s Justin Jackson.

Despite being a smaller back at 5-11 and 199 pounds, Jackson — who had 41 rushing touchdowns in his career — was consistently effective at punching the ball in from inside the red zone and is a solid fit for the Shanahan scheme.

He is blessed with the change-of-direction to constantly make defenders miss, can slither through small holes and hit them with excellent burst while also possessing the speed to get around the edge.

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A mismatch for linebackers in the receiving game, Jackson could more efficient that area of his game (7.0 yards per reception in his career), and there will be concern about the 1,142 carries he had in college. Yet the 49ers would not be asking him to be a feature back and Jackson is definitely worth a look as a rotational player who could aid their efficiency inside the 20.