Breaking down 49ers selection of Samuel Womack in 2022 NFL Draft

With their fifth-round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected speedy cornerback Samuel Womack from Toledo, adding much-needed depth to the position.

After going the first four rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft without selecting a defensive back, the San Francisco 49ers finally selected one in Toledo’s Samuel Womack to break that streak.

The Niners’ current cornerback room consists of Charvarius Ward, Emmanuel Moseley, Ambry Thomas, and Deommodore Lenoir as the major players.

Addressing the secondary was something San Francisco’s front office made a priority this offseason, particularly in the wake of losing veteran starting nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams in free agency to the Denver Broncos.

What does Samuel Womack bring to 49ers defense?

Womack is slightly undersized at the corner position at 5-foot-10 and projects to be a slot corner in the NFL.

Whatever he lacks in size, however, he makes up for in speed, having run a 4.39 40-yard dash during his leadup to the NFL Draft.

Ranking fourth in the nation in pass breakups, Womack is no stranger to battling in coverage. On crossing routes, he’s able to track the ball while staying in the hip pocket of receivers.

Tackling is a glaring weakness in Womack’s tape, though, but he still isn’t afraid to get involved. Tackling is less desirable at his position, and he checks the boxes in terms of coverage. In addition, one shouldn’t look at Womack as being afraid of mixing it up with bigger, stronger wide receivers.

Much like Williams, Womack plays bigger than his size would indicate.

Womack is great at high-pointing the football and has terrific ball skills in traffic. In his 2021 season, he recorded 15 pass breakups and two interceptions. Womack will likely be able to contribute on special teams immediately with his speed and versatility, potentially earning that starting nickel role in year one.

With Moseley, Thomas, and Ward primarily being outside corners, Womack will fit right into the nickel back position if his development at the pro level proceeds according to plan.