There aren’t a lot of wrong directions the 49ers can go in this year’s draft. They have a handful of needs, but no spots where they absolutely need to select a starter. Prioritizing their needs by position yields a slew of different results. It’s clear they simply need to find quality players who can help fill out the roster in the coming years as their highest-priced players push out some other talent.
A seven-round mock draft from ESPN’s Jordan Reid charts a good path for San Francisco’s nine picks. They hit a few of their ‘top’ needs early, but there’s a distinct eye toward the future with the choices which will be a key aspect of this year’s draft.
There are a few notes before we dive into the picks.
First, the 49ers could and probably should go with an edge rusher earlier than they do in Reid’s mock. It’s supposed to be a deep class, but San Francisco could find a significant difference-maker if they go with a defensive end with one of their first couple picks.
It’s important to note as we get nearer to the draft that center Alex Mack isn’t a slam dunk to return in 2022. We saw long-time left tackle Joe Staley retire during the draft, so it’s definitely on the table. If Mack walks, the 49ers need to find a center who can fill that void for the next several seasons. Jake Brendel is the only other center on the roster, but Reid has San Francisco addressing that area early.
Reid also doesn’t have the 49ers selecting a tight end, which is a definite possibility with a handful of prospects that could be available on Day 2 or early in Day 3. Their offense could hit a new level if they find a good pass catcher to line up with George Kittle in two-tight end sets. They’ve been unsuccessful in finding that player in past years, so they could aim to fill that role via the draft.
To the picks: