It is official. Draft season is here. A time for rejoicing and the possibility of our favorite candidates being drafted by the 49ers is more real than ever. To start, I’m going to do a full mock with the nine picks the 49ers are currently supposed to have in the 2022 NFL draft.
For this first mock, I’ll be sticking strictly to where the picks currently stand. Means no trades. Let’s have some fun with this as this will be the first of many mock drafts I’ll be releasing over the next month ahead of draft.
Round 2, choose 61
Josh Paschal, EDGE-Kentucky
The 49ers are sticking to their seemingly annual tradition of drafting a defenseman with their first pick. While unity is very deep right now, the 49ers are still missing the real number two behind Nick Bosa. Paschal’s selection gives them the potential to get a true three-down player to line up opposite their superstar edge rusher.
At 6’3, 278 pounds, Paschal has the ideal physical traits to compete at the NFL level. Physical attributes aside, Paschal was one of the best defensive players in college football last season.
This choice gives the 49ers a player who comes with a high floor and the ability to make an impact from day one. If Paschal continues to develop a deeper pocket as a pass rusher, he has the ability to become a high-impact starter at the NFL level.
Round 3, choose 93
Nick Cross, Security—Maryland
The 49ers are addressing the Jaquiski Tartt-sized hole currently in their secondary school by adding one of the more athletically gifted players to this draft. Cross put on a show at the NFL Combine, running in the 4.3 seconds and also excelling in positional practice.
Cross has tremendous speed and range in the open field and has shown a knack for making plays on the soccer ball.
This choice gives the 49ers a legitimate running mate to place in backend with Jimmie Ward, and also achieves the goal of becoming younger at the position and in the secondary overall.
Round 3, choose 105
Dohnovan West, center State of Arizona
All signs point to an Alex Mack return in 2022, but the 49ers are planning ahead with this pick by picking their center of the future. West would be a phenomenal heir to the position, at 6,4300 pounds tall and with the agility to operate in space at a high level in an out-of-zone attack.
West was also strong in pass protection in 2021, allowing just four pressures on 372 pass-blocking snaps. This one is a no-brainer that adds depth to the offensive line and potentially pairs Trey Lance with his teammate for the next half decade.
Round 4, choose 134
Otito Ogbonnia, DI – UCLA
It’s all about the trenches! No, seriously, the 49ers continue to invest at the line of scrimmage, adding a solid chunk to the rotation of their inside line of defense.
At 6’4 320 pounds, Ogbonnia brings quality, depth and confidence to the 49ers behind Javon Kinlaw at the nose tackle position.
Round 5, choose 172
Hassan Haskins, running back – Michigan
A dynamic runner is added to the 49ers’ running back room to isolate a unit with some question marks at the moment. Haskins has experience excelling in both zone and gap concepts and at 6ft 1,220lbs is the ideal height to translate to the next level.
Haskins is a tough north-south runner, averaging more than three yards after contact per attempt in 2021. The move gives the 49ers new legs in the backfield and helps lighten the load of a rushing attack currently being directed by Eli Mitchell and Jeff Wilson jr.
I actually think Haskins would have a chance to contend for a lead in this backfield, and the advantage he would potentially add to the 49ers’ ground game is too big to ignore here in the fifth round.
Round 6, dial 187
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tight End – Maryland
Okonkwo is a really fun view to rate. At 6’2 244 pounds, Okwonko possesses Plus speed and the ability to stretch a defense both vertically and horizontally. Its 4.52 40-yard dash supports the speed it brings to film, and it also added a 35.5-inch vertical to boot.
While I think he offers value in a traditional tight end role, his versatility might be his ultimate calling card.
Okonkwo can be used in a similar fashion to 49ers Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk. That gives the 49ers instant confidence in a number of positions. It also potentially prepares them for a post-Juszczyk life, a reality one may need to prepare for sooner rather than later.
Round 6, choose 220
Chamarri Conner, cornerback – Virginia Tech
The 49ers are taking a swing to replace the void left at the corner slot position by bringing in a player who is no stranger to playing nickels. Conner started all 13 games in the slot for Virginia Tech in 2021 en route to All-ACC Honorable Mention Honors.
A strong tackler in space, Conner has made an impression across the field, recording 5.5 tackles for losses and two sacks last season. Conner also has a strong background in special teams, taking over 500 snaps on special teams during his career at Virginia Tech.
The 49ers are getting a player who can long-term fill the hole left by the recently departed K’Waun Williams while also benefiting from Conner’s contributions to special teams in the near future.
Round 6, dial 221
Spencer Burford, tackle – UTSA
Burford, one of my favorite picks of this draft, has all the physical qualities to become an effective player on the 49ers’ offensive line. At 6’5, 295 pounds, Burford is extremely fluid and would be great for the 49ers’ aggressive rushing attack on the outside zone.
Burford was the All-Conference USA first-team in 2021, during a season in which he conceded just one sack in 338 pass-blocking attempts. With uncertainty surrounding Mike McGlinchey’s future with the team after this season, Burford is offering the 49ers an opportunity to develop their own contingency plan for the position in-house over the next year or so.
Round 7, select 262
Lucas Krull, tight end – Pittsburgh
Mr. Irrelevant! Despite selecting Okwonkoro early in the draft, the 49ers opt to add another player who is fighting for a roster spot in the tight end room. Krull is prototypical in height at this position, standing at 6-6 while weighing 260 pounds.
Krull was named a second-team All-ACC pick in 2021 during a campaign in which he caught 38 passes for 451 yards and six touchdowns. Fun Fact: It was the second time Krull had been drafted by a San Francisco professional sports team with this pick. The Giants drafted Krull in the 34th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft.