49ers score massively good grades from 2022 NFL Draft selections
49ers overall 2022 NFL Draft summary
In short, this was a decent draft class from the 49ers, considering they had no first-round selection. They filled many areas of need, added much-needed depth and there are certainly a few home-run swings they made in the later rounds.
The main concern is the lack of a pick at safety or at center, although in the short term, this can be excused if Alex Mack and Jaquiski Tartt return to the team.
If they do, then it should be just enough to hold those needs over until next season.
The only pick I didn’t particularly like was Tyrion Davis-Price, but maybe the Niners have a plan for him where he doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. I would hate to see current starter Elijah Mitchell handcuffed from getting more carries, but it’s important not to clock up the mileage on him too quickly with too many carries.
I’m not sure of the need for Brock Purdy either, but I’m not going to care too much with the very last pick in the draft. All in all, we’ve seen selections that will make some big impacts in 2023 and beyond if they fulfill their potential and fill important backup roles this year, even if they don’t start right away.
Recap:
- Pick No. 61: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC (B+ Grade)
- Pick No. 93: Tyrion Davis-Price, Running Back, LSU (D Grade)
- Pick No. 105: Danny Gray, Wide Receiver, SMU (A Grade)
- Pick No. 134: Spencer Burford, Guard/Tackle, UTSA (A Grade)
- Pick No. 172: Samuel Womack, Cornerback, Toledo (C+ Grade)
- Pick No. 187: Nick Zakelj, Tackle/Guard, Fordham (B+ Grade)
- Pick No. 220: Kalia Davis, Defensive Tackle, Central Florida (B- Grade)
- Pick No. 221: Tariq Castro-Fields, Cornerback, Penn State (C+ Grade)
- Pick No. 262: Brock Purdy, Quarterback, Iowa State (C Grade)
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Grading being more dependent on earlier rounds than later rounds, the Davis-Price pick stands out as an outlier from what I thought were very good selections that filled a need. I’m not excited by the cornerback picks either, as I didn’t think Womack would be drafted, and I’m not sure if Tariq Castro-Fields has any extra to his game we didn’t see at Penn State, but I don’t hate them either.
What I do like was the initial pick of Drake Jackson and the picks to shore up the offensive line. I think Danny Gray is going to be a potent weapon, while I’m intrigued to see how Kalia Davis develops.
The running back pick was glaringly unnecessary but I think every other pick was at least OK, which could either fill a need or provide some depth.
I can’t wait to see these guys at training camp.
Overall Grade: B
Next. 49ers' biggest winners, losers from 2022 NFL Draft. dark