The San Francisco 49ers were one win away from the Super Bowl last season. However, if they want to return to the postseason with Trey Lance under center in 2022, they will need to hit on their NFL Draft haul. In this 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft, the 49ers fill some holes while also adding talented prospects.
San Francisco 49ers 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Using the free PFN Mock Draft Simulator with trades, equipped with the current 2022 NFL Draft order, let’s see who the 49ers should target with their nine picks.
Round 2, Pick 61: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Trent Williams’ contract doesn’t expire until 2027, but the 33-year-old hasn’t played a full season since 2013. Even if he plays out his contract, RT Mike McGlinchey is set to hit free agency next offseason. Bernhard Raimann‘s athletic build and play style were made for the 49ers’ offense. He is an excellent run blocker and is sound in pass protection. He may begin his career as a swing tackle or guard, but he can mold into Lance’s LT or RT of the future.
Round 3, Pick 93: Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are the only receivers currently under contract for the 49ers. Erik Ezukanma brings a stellar size/speed combo and fits San Francisco’s requirements at the position. His route tree is lacking, and he has some focus drops on tape, but Ezukanma provides much-needed depth and potential to the receiving corps.
Round 3, Pick 105: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama
Jalyn Armour-Davis is a bit more of a developmental prospect coming out of Alabama than we are used to. Nevertheless, Armour-Davis owns impressive physical tools, and he could develop into a starting corner early with proper NFL coaching. He’s more of a linear athlete than fluid, but his burst to the ball makes up for it. The traits and potential are there for the 49ers to tap into.
Round 3, Pick 134: Cole Strange, OL, Chattanooga
Cole Strange offers versatility as a guard and center. Due to his impressive athleticism and ability in space, Strange meshes well with San Fran’s zone-heavy rushing attack. After his Combine performance, Strange may go higher in April, but the 49ers aren’t complaining in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Round 5, Pick 172: Joshua Williams, CB, Fayetteville State
Joshua Williams is a tall, long, and smooth cornerback prospect. His backpedal is a sight to behold, as is his ability to throttle up and down. Even with taking a CB a couple of picks ago in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the 49ers should double-dip at the position. Williams’ skill set is best suited for zone schemes, which is exactly what defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans likes to run.
Round 6, Pick 187: Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State
The fastest running back in the 2022 class, Pierre Strong Jr. enjoyed a stellar career with the Jackrabbits. With his speed and vision, Strong would easily find a role in San Francisco’s backfield. Sure, Elijah Mitchell and Trey Sermon are still in-house, but the 49ers are known for utilizing a stable of backs.
Round 6, Pick 220: Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State
At 6’4″, 300 pounds, with 34-inch arms, Eric Johnson balled out at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Senior Bowl. He wins with an explosive first step, and his wrestling background shines through. With D.J. Jones leaving the Bay Area, the 49ers would be wise to draft a solid run defender with some penetration ability as a pass rusher on the interior.
Round 6, Pick 221: Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo
A safety with 4.36 speed, it’s unlikely Tycen Anderson falls too far. But the value of the position and playing at a Group of Five program may drop him down some boards. Jimmie Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, and Tarvarius Moore are the only safeties under contract, though Moore didn’t play in 2021 and hasn’t played well. Anderson is an older prospect with experience at nearly every alignment on defense. His size, length, and speed combo offer appealing upside.
Round 7, Pick 262: Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State
Behind George Kittle is a whole lot of room for improvement. Kittle saw 104 targets last year, while the rest of the tight end group saw … 12. With the final pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the 49ers add to their depth. Derrick Deese Jr. is a long-armed inline tight end with solid blocking potential, which is important in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. However, he also adds receiving prowess as a converted wide receiver.