49ers last-guess 7-round mock before 2022 NFL Draft kicks off

Round 7, Pick No. 262 Overall (Compensatory): 49ers select WR Deven Thompkins, Utah State

Ah, yes. Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick of the NFL Draft. It’s basically the first shot at undrafted free agents, although the 49ers would have the bonus of initially inking said player to a rookie four-year deal.

So, there’s that to consider.

In this mock, we’re assuming the Niners somehow figure out how to bridge the gap with Deebo Samuel, and he’ll remain their No. 1 weapon at the position. However, there’s still room to upgrade the back end of the receiving depth chart, especially with a field-stretching gadget weapon that can open things up for Samuel and fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk underneath.

Enter the tiny 5-foot-7, 167-pound wide receiver out of Utah State, Deven Thompkins.

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Despite putting up insane numbers as both a receiver and rusher last season, totaling 1,731 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage, Thompkins’ size is likely to limit him to being nothing more than a late pick on day three of the draft.

That’s OK, though. Thompkins’ electrifying 4.35 pro-day speed in the 40-yard dash shows he can be a field-stretching weapon. And even though his eventual NFL-level stats won’t come close to replicating what he did for the Aggies last season, he could at least serve to open up the back end of the field with his speed alone, which defenses will nevertheless have to respect.

The 2022 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 28.