The San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback situation remains the biggest talking point in Northern California following their second NFC Championship Game appearance in three seasons.
San Francisco will likely turn to youngster Trey Lance to replace Jimmy Garoppolo under center. But that has yet to happen with the 2022 NFL Draft starting here soon. It’s a major backdrop in Northern California. Star wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s trade request adds another layer to the situation, too.
Before we get into the 49ers mock draft, let’s look at all of the picks they boast leading up to the annual event this spring.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2022 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers held a 10-point fourth quarter lead against the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. For the second time in three seasons, Kyle Shanahan blew a late-game lead with a potential Lombardi Trophy on the line.
However ugly that end to the season might have been, it’s clear that these 49ers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.
With needs on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield, this draft could be used to fill some major holes. Unfortunately, the Deebo Samuel situation changes the dynamics. San Francisco might very well be forced to trade the All-Pro leading up to the draft later this week or on Day 1 come Thursday evening — creating a major hole at wide receiver.
Related: San Francisco 49ers 2022 opponents
Let’s say the 49ers hedge their bets and refuse to trade Samuel ahead of the draft. That would create some major questions marks moving forward. We might end up knowing what the 49ers plans on when they’re on the clock at 61. If it is indeed a wide receiver, the team’s brass could be signaling that the Samuel situation is not sustainable moving forward.
Even if Samuel does return in 2022, getting a player of Shakir’s ability in the late second round would be an absolute coup for this team. The 6-foot pass-catcher provides an immediate window to throw through with his short-area quickness. He’s great with the ball in his hands after the catch. Sound familiar? Last season with Boise State, Shakir caught 77 passes for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns. He added 130 rushing yards to the mix, too.
Related: Ideal Deebo Samuel trade scenarios from the San Francisco 49ers
Even after adding Charvarius Ward to the mix in free agency, cornerback remains a major need for San Francisco. It seems to be set, at least for 2022, with Ward and Emmanuel Moseley on the outside. A mid-round pick last year, Ambry Thomas also picked it up when called on late as a rookie.
This leaves slot corner as a need in San Francisco following the departure of K’Waun Williams in free agency. The 5-foot-8 Marcus Jones would be a tremendous fit. He’s great in that role, boasting a great set of eyes and pro-ready technique from the inside. Even if youngster Deommodore Lenoir beats him out for the starting job, Jones could contribute in the return game as a rookie.
Related: Top 2022 NFL Draft prospects
Is tight end really a need for San Francisco? With All-Pro George Kittle doing his thing, we’re just not too sure. What we do know is that Kyle Shanahan’s offense likes to use two tight end sets. The 49ers don’t have another realistic receiving threat at this position.
The 6-foot-4 Likely would change this in a big way. He boasts great hands, plus-level route-running ability and can stretch the field with his athleticism. That was evident a season ago when Likely averaged 15.5 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on 59 receptions.
Related: Blockbuster NFL Draft trades we’d love to see
For San Francisco, it’s all about scheme in Shanahan’s zone-blocking offense. That’s why it was so surprising that the 49ers took Aaron Banks in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Either way, guard is a major need with Banks set to replace free-agent departure Laken Tomlinson at left guard. This is where Robinson comes into play. He can start at both guard positions and actually has a history of playing tackle in Oklahoma. He’s also a perfect fit in San Francisco’s zone-blocking system.
Let us know what you think about our San Francisco 49ers mock draft in the comments section below.