Summer Sleeper: San Francisco 49ers

Eric Olinger

sleeperseriesWith less than a month before all training camps have opened around the NFL, we begin our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

For a team coming off a Super Bowl appearance with an up and coming star at quarterback, there sure aren’t a lot of sure things on the San Francisco roster from a dynasty perspective. Colin Kaepernick is being drafted as a QB1, Frank Gore is still a solid RB2 as an aging vet, and the enigmatic tight end Vernon Davis, who draws us in based on ridiculous potential and ability, but failed to click with Kaepernick last year. Really, the only wide receiver Kaepernick looked to was Michael Crabtree, who will miss at least the first half of the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered at OTAs. That leaves a lot of youth and question marks in the 49ers receiving corps behind the newly acquired Anquan Boldin. So, who is going to step up in Crabtree’s absence?

Kyle Williams, WR SF

kylewilliamsKyle Williams is notorious for being the player who muffed not one, but two punts in the NFC Championship game against the Giants in January of 2012. For an athlete, it was as bad of a performance he could have possibly had and in the digital media age, fans let him know on Twitter. He received death threats as people wished harm on him and his family. It was brutal. How did he respond? At the podium. Like a man, he answered questions right after the worst performance of his career. Right after he “let his teammates down.” Right then, I knew this KID was a professional.

When the 49ers drafted A.J. Jenkins in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, people assumed it was to replace Williams. Then the 49ers re-signed Ted Ginn Jr. and brought in Randy Moss and Mario Manningham in free agency. Surely, Williams was going to be given his release, right? Wrong. He beat out the first round rookie to be the 49ers WR4.

Williams tore his ACL in week 12 last season, finishing with 14 catches, 212 yards and one touchdown. Now on his road to recovery, he sat out OTAs as expected, but is on pace to participate in training camp according to reports. The sooner he can get back to practicing the better. There is a great opportunity to carve out a role in this passing attack. The earliest Crabtree is expected back is week ten, and that’s being very optimistic. Manningham is recovering from a torn ACL and PCL, A.J. Jenkins has yet to put it all together on the field, and rookie Quinton Patton is just learning the playbook. The rest of the 49ers receiving corps is full of journeymen unlikely to make an impact.

If everything goes as planned with his recovery, Williams should see decent playing time as the deep threat playing opposite Anquan Boldin. Even if the light turns on for A.J. Jenkins (I think it will), Williams will still get onto the field as the Niners open up the playbook and showcase Kaepernick’s cannon arm. At 5’10” and 186 pounds, he’s not built to be an every down guy. Most of his damage will be done on deep throws and he loses value in PPR leagues but gains value in return yardage leagues as the team’s punt and kick returner.

I wouldn’t draft Williams over higher upside guys on the team like Jenkins or Patton, but if the younger guys prove to be too raw or a liability, don’t be surprised if its Williams lining up across from Boldin week one. According to the team’s depth chart he’s currently a starter. Don’t think for a second this guy isn’t looking for an opportunity to make things right. He’s a hard worker and a good football player. He’s the kind of guy you root for after facing adversity – for a player available on your waiver wire right now, that’s not too bad.

eric olinger
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