The San Francisco 49ers headed into the 2022 NFL Draft without a first-round pick but with the potential for a draft day trade to secure one. However, the entire three days of the NFL’s annual selection event came and went without the 49ers trading star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. While we don’t know how that saga will end, we do know that the 49ers added nine new faces this weekend, starting with USC pass rusher Drake Jackson.
San Francisco 49ers draft picks in 2022
- Round 2 | Pick 61
Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC - Round 3 | Pick 93
Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, LSU - Round 3 | Pick 105
Danny Gray, WR, SMU - Round 4 | Pick 134
Spencer Burford, OT, UTSA - Round 5 | Pick 172
Samuel Womack, CB, Toledo - Round 6 | Pick 187 (from DEN)
Nick Zakelj, OT, Fordham - Round 6 | Pick 220
Kalia Davis, DT, UCF - Round 6 | Pick 221
Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State - Round 7 | Pick 262
Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
Not only did the 49ers not acquire a first-round selection from a much-expected Samuel trade, but they were also a rarity in the 2022 NFL Draft in that they did not trade any of their picks during the weekend. John Lynch sat back and let the board come to him, making a selection in every spot they originally held. Did that approach work for the 49ers? Did they hit their significant needs? Most importantly, did they get any better with their class?
While not considered a major position of need coming in, the 49ers added USC EDGE Drake Jackson with the first of their 2022 NFL Draft picks. Garnering some late first-round hype, harkening back to his draft standing coming into the season, Jackson might be considered something of a bargain. With his strength, speed, and bend, he should be the long-term pass-rush answer opposite Nick Bosa.
Cornerback and offensive line were two significant needs, and the 49ers made some moves to address them with their 2022 NFL Draft picks. Tariq Castro-Fields and Samuel Womack offer two very different skill sets, adding some versatility to the secondary. Spencer Burford and Nick Zakelj were interesting selections. Both were college offensive tackles that are better suited to playing inside at the NFL level.
The most exciting of all the 49ers’ picks in the 2022 NFL Draft was SMU WR Danny Gray. An explosive speed threat who consistently plays to his 4.33-second 40-yard dash time, Gray has the potential to wreak havoc in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He’ll stretch the field for Trey Lance while also being dangerous as an underneath threat.
San Francisco 49ers 2022 NFL Draft team needs
Despite signing Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $42 million deal, the 49ers should absolutely be in the market for another cornerback. Given the money sunk into Ward, however, their top need now shifts to offense, specifically wide receiver and guard. Getting Lance a new weapon that can separate and find open space in coverage is vital.
While they have young names behind Ward and Emmanuel Moseley in the defensive backfield, cornerback is the Niners’ second-biggest need. Javon Kinlaw’s knee will never allow him to reach what potential he had coming from South Carolina, so adding someone on the interior is an unfortunate need. They also could consider adding another receiver to the mix to give Lance every possible tool.
- Offensive Guard
- Cornerback
- Defensive Tackle
- Wide Receiver
- Safety