49ers 5 biggest needs in 2022 NFL Draft with 2021 in rearview mirror

49ers NFL Draft Need No. 2: Cornerback

An argument could be made that the most glaring need on the roster is the cornerback position.

Heading into 2021, San Francisco had a quality starting pair in Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley. But, unfortunately, Verrett was lost early in the season to an ACL tear while Moseley missed a sizable chunk of the regular season, too, with an ankle injury. This put a massive strain on the 49ers secondary throughout the year.

While the Niners drafted two cornerbacks in last year’s draft, Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir, they still lack a clear-cut No.1 cornerback on the roster. With Verrett unlikely to return, the team might look to add via free agency, and there will be several great options to choose from such as J.C. Jackson or Stephon Gilmore, both of whom would immediately improve the defensive backfield.

However, it might be just as beneficial to identify, draft and develop some additional talent instead, thereby trying to land one of those lockdown-type cornerbacks on a cheap rookie contract.