The 49ers 2022 NFL Draft Projections, Positions Needed & Mock Draft

San Francisco 49ers 2022 Draft

Being a serviceable NFL starting quarterback should have all veterans weary. San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo seems to be the next domino to fall in that carousel. The 49ers are ready to spin the wheel and take their turn to find a signal-caller theoretically more capable of winning a Super Bowl than Garappolo.

San Francisco already has a quarterback-in-waiting, so the 49ers won’t have to enter the circus that is the NFL free-agency market.

In 2021, San Francisco exhumed itself from the dead all the way to the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers started 3-5, then ended 10-7, and earned a Wild-Card berth. Victories over Dallas and Green Bay-both on the road-allowed San Francisco to march further in the playoffs than many thought possible. However, the 49ers’ offense was underwhelming and in need of a spark.

San Francisco will need to restructure contracts, make trades and cut some veteran players to find a way to get better. The 49ers did vacate negative cap territory, having about $7.3 million to spend at this writing. San Francisco will also be tasked with trying to get better in a competitive division, as the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona also made the playoffs last season.

Players Leaving the San Francisco 49ers

When Garoppolo was healthy, his five-year stay in San Francisco was productive. Garoppolo was 31-14 as a starter, including a 9-6 record last season. when he passed for 3,810 yards and 20 touchdowns (12 interceptions) . In the playoffs, Garoppolo was effective as a game manager, compiling a 4-2 record, leading the Niners to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019.

Defensive lineman D.J. Jones signed a one-year deal to return for last season and had one of his best in the pros. Jones finished with a career-high 56 tackles, including 40 solos. He also forced two fumbles and defended a pass. By doing so, Jones likely priced himself out of San Francisco. General Manager John Lynch recently said it would be a challenge to keep him.

Safety Jaquiski Tartt also recorded a career-high in tackles in 2021 with 66, including 42 solo tackles. Tartt, who is in his seventh season, also defended a pass. The team’s cap issues may make it difficult to bring back Tartt.

Defensive back K’Waun Williams may be heading for another opportunity as well. Williams, a seven-year veteran, recorded a team-high 60 tackles, including five behind the line of scrimmage. He had an interception and recorded a sack. With his performance, Williams is likely to get a better offer elsewhere.

Positions Needed by the San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco will need to find a solid backup quarterback for Trey Lance, should Garoppolo leave. Lance was used sparingly as a rookie, passing for 603 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. With a 17-game regular season awaiting a young quarterback, the 49ers will want to have Lance under wraps.

The 49ers need to find more depth in the secondary. San Francisco recorded nine interceptions last season, six from its defensive backs. Jimmie Ward led the team with two picks.

The 49ers will be seeking some running back depth. San Francisco’s leading rusher Elijah Mitchell had durability issues, playing 11 games. However, the rookie had 963 yards and five touchdowns, There was a pretty steep drop to the next-highest rusher, who in actuality was wide receiver Deebo Samuel (365 yards, eight touchdowns).

It’s difficult to imagine San Francisco leaning on Samuel in the running game for the second consecutive season. Grabbing another running back will be important for coach Kyle Shanahan’s running game.

San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft

The San Francisco 49ers have nine draft picks in 2022 to try and inject some fresh blood into the franchise. The 49ers do not have a first-round pick this year, as San Francisco included that choice in the trade to acquire Lance last season. In the second round, the 49ers will likely be looking to add depth in the secondary.

Cincinnati cornerback Coby Bryant may be a good fit for the San Francisco secondary. Bryant defended 11 passes and intercepted three during the Bearcats’ run to the College Football Playoff. H4 also recorded 45 tackles, 35 of which were solos.

In the third round, the 49ers can add more secondary depth. Illinois safety Kerby Joseph tied for fourth nationally with five interceptions. He defended two passes and made 41 tackles. Before his senior season, Joseph hadn’t intercepted a pass.

In the fourth round, San Francisco could consider Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Austin had his best year as a collegian last season, finishing with 74 catches, 1,149 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. There was a 69-yard touchdown run on his only carry of the season. Austin also had over 1,000 yards receiving as a junior.

In late rounds, the 49ers could add running back Rachaad White out of Arizona State. White went for an even 1,000 yards a season ago, scoring 15 touchdowns while averaging 5½ yards per carry. White was versatile, hauling in 43 passes (456 yards, one touchdown). Check 49ers’ NFL Draft odds and NFL Odds.

2022 NFL Draft Event Information

Date: Thursday, Apr. 28th (Round 1) | Friday, Apr. 29th (Rounds 2-3) | Saturday, Apr. 30th (Rounds 4-7)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Thursday) | 7 p.m. ET (Friday) | Noon ET (Saturday)
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
TV Channel: ABC | ESPN | NFL Network
NFL Draft Live Streaming: NFL Game Pass