49ers 7-round 2022 mock NFL Draft, Christmas edition

Round 5, Pick No. 163 Overall: Cornerback Al Blades Jr., Miami

Again, not getting hung up on the idea the Niners will go after just one cornerback in this year’s NFL Draft.

There’s a good chance at least one of those two 2021 first-year players, Ambry Thomas or Deommodore Lenoir, completely flames out and is off the roster before his rookie contract is up, and San Francisco has to account for shortages at the position anyway.

Despite using an earlier pick on Coby Bryant, the 49ers double down and grab another with their pick in Round 5, Miami cornerback Al Blades Jr., who fits the mold of a long, lanky cornerback at 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds. That might be a cause for concern with long-term durability, and there’s a small injury history there.

Including a stress fracture that knocked him out last spring.

While he might be a bit lean-framed, Blades doesn’t hesitate to get physical and also plays well in zone-style schemes. Not necessarily a ballhawk with only four interceptions over his collegiate career, Blades nevertheless could wind up being a quality reserve defensive back early on with the long-term potential of turning into a starting-caliber option.