49ers 2022 mock NFL Draft roundup: Who are the experts picking?

Niner Noise peruses all the mock NFL Drafts out there for the 49ers’ top selection in Round 2, breaking down which prospects the experts are tabbing.

One of the challenges San Francisco 49ers fans are facing this offseason is feeling left out when searching the many Round 1 mock NFL Drafts out there on the web.

The bulk of league-wide mocks aren’t going to go beyond the No. 32 overall pick. And since the Niners traded their first-round selection in last year’s deal to move up for quarterback Trey Lance, they’ll be left out of the discussion in many a mock.

San Francisco isn’t alone. There are a number of other teams without a first-round pick. As far as the 49ers are concerned, barring some trade between now and when Round 2 kicks off, they’ll be selecting at No. 61 overall.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at which prospect the experts and pundits around the league are suggesting the Niners grab in that particular spot.

49ers 2022 mock NFL Draft roundup (Round 2)

Todd McShay, ESPN: S Nick Cross, Maryland

"With Jimmie Ward entering the final year of his deal, the Niners might look to the secondary here. At 6-foot and 212 pounds, Cross has great size, center fielder speed and plenty of versatility."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: EDGE Cameron Thomas, San Diego State

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: S Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

Anthony Treash, Pro Football Focus: CB Martin Emerson, Mississippi State

"Emerson would fit nicely into San Francisco’s defense. He isn’t the most gifted athlete, but he can give some receivers fits at the line of scrimmage in press zone with his 33.5-inch arms."

Oliver Hodgkinson, Pro Football Network: CB Kyler Gordon, Washington

A.J. Fagerlin, NFL Mocks: OL Dylan Parham, Memphis

Most mock NFL Draft suggest 49ers focus on secondary

There are surely plenty of other mocks out there we didn’t get to cover, but it’s interesting to see the majority of those polled prompted the idea of San Francisco grabbing a defensive back with its first pick.

This is certainly a need despite the 49ers grabbing cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency and in light of both nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams and safety Jaquiski Tartt no longer on the roster.

However, one might argue the Niners offensive line should be the top priority after Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson left for a lucrative free-agent deal with the New York Jets, compounding the question marks San Francisco has with regards to center Alex Mack getting up there in age, right tackle Mike McGlinchey’s recovery from a torn quad and potential upgrades needed at right guard.

An offensive lineman was the selection made by Niner Noise in our last all-encompassing mock draft, and at least one of the other mocks we looked at had the 49ers following that same path.

If protecting Lance is going to be of the utmost priority, postponing those needs in the defensive backfield might have to be the course of action the Niners take this April.