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

Round 7, Pick No. 262 Overall (Compensatory): 49ers select S Quentin Lake, UCLA

Yes, Mr. Irrelevant.

The Niners own the luxury of making the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, which essentially means having the first call of the undrafted free agents, only getting the benefit of that initial four-year rookie contract, should the rookie actually pan out.

One of the issues San Francisco hasn’t quite addressed enough this offseason is at strong safety, as Jaquiski Tartt remains unsigned and the only corresponding move made was to onboard George Odum, who has only been a spot starter for the bulk of his career.

Want your voice heard? Join the Niner Noise team!

Write for us!

UCLA safety Quentin Lake is much more in the mold of current 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga and not Tartt, and Lake isn’t going to be a great coverage option, rather more of an in-the-box safety.

Still, the 6-foot-1 and 205-pound Lake has a playmaking knack, including three interceptions for the Bruins last season, and he also has some great special teams prowess, too, an area which the Niners have already shown an interest in improving this offseason.

At best, Lake could be a quality reserve option within the secondary to back up whoever takes over in Tartt’s stead. At the very worst, he’d be a modest special teams contributor right out of the gate.