49ers 7-round mock 2022 NFL Draft using only Pac-12 players

(Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
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Nephi Sewell, Utah Utes
Utah Utes linebacker Nephi Sewell (29) Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sportsffd

Round 4, Pick No. 134 Overall: 49ers select LB Nephi Sewell, Utah

The Niners spent a lot of effort upgrading their special teams contributors, including landing one-time first-team All-Pro safety George Odum and then using more free-agent capital on linebacker Oren Burks and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud.

But why stop there?

At 5-foot-11 and 226 pounds, Utah linebacker Nephi Sewell is going to be a bit too undersized as a three-down linebacker, but having him as a cover defender in various packages could help. He was, after all, a former safety who could potentially serve in that kind of hybrid role as a backup.

However, it’s Sewell’s special teams abilities that should attract San Francisco to using a day-three pick on him.

Sewell had 89 tackles, 7.5 of which were for a loss, with an interception and a forced fumble over 13 games played for the Utes last season.

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