3 biggest needs atop 49ers wish list for 2022 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
49ers draft need No. 1: Offensive line
There are both short- and long-term needs potentially impacting the 49ers’ No. 1 need heading into the NFL Draft.
In the long run, the Niners better think about replacing aging Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, who appears poised to return for one more season but will turn 37 years old in 2022 and could potentially retire once San Francisco’s upcoming campaign finally concludes. Additionally, right tackle Mike McGlinchey is unsigned in 2023, and it’s anyone’s guess whether or not the 49ers are planning to extend their first-round pick from 2018.
McGlinchey’s situation impacts the short-term prognosis, too, as he’s working his way back from a torn quad suffered in the middle of 2021. If McGlinchey returns at 100 percent, it’s not as pressing an issue.
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But that’s an unknown.
The Niners also watched Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson leave for the New York Jets in free agency, meaning they’re either content with their second-round pick from a year ago, Aaron Banks, taking over Tomlinson’s spot. Or San Francisco will be scrambling for other options.
Those options might entail looking for an upgrade over right guard Daniel Brunskill, too, meaning it wouldn’t be a shock if the 49ers use two, potentially even three of their draft selections on an O-lineman.
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