San Francisco 49ers: 3 way-too-early needs in 2022 NFL Draft

No. 1: 49ers need an array of defensive backs

Here’s a list of some of the top names within their secondary the 49ers currently have as pending free agents in 2022:

• Jason Verrett
• K’Waun Williams
• Jaquiski Tartt
• Tarvarius Moore
• Marcell Harris
• Dontae Johnson

All of those players have seen significant field time with the Niners in recent years. And while San Francisco drafted three defensive backs in 2021 — Ambry Thomas, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga — they all can’t round out the potential free-agent attrition the 49ers may experience next year even if all these rookies wind up breaking out right away.

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Even the last part of that statement would be a stretch. First-year defensive backs frequently struggle with the transition to the NFL ranks.

Essentially, the Niners are paying for passing entirely on cornerbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft, meaning they’ll hope this year’s two selections, Thomas and Lenoir, both pan out or other options somehow present themselves.

That said, getting a top-end defensive back early in next year’s NFL Draft would help solidify a unit San Francisco has largely passed on addressing early in recent draft years.

Perhaps that modus operandi changes in 2022, but right now, it’s looking like it’ll be a key need next year.