Ranking 49ers 3 weakest positions after 2022 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers did a lot to reinforce their depth via the 2022 NFL Draft, yet these three positions are still coming off as notably weak this offseason.
The San Francisco 49ers would love to believe their 2022 NFL Draft class and, to a lesser extent, their crop of undrafted free agents would be enough to address whatever shortcomings their roster had after the bevy of moves and losses following free agency.
But the Niners’ lone move of re-signing oft-injured cornerback Jason Verrett after the draft signaled they weren’t entirely convinced of their draft moves.
Nevertheless, San Francisco’s cornerback room somehow managed to emerge as one of the stronger positions (at least in terms of depth) heading into offseason workouts and towards training camp.
We already looked at the 49ers’ three strongest positions in the wake of the draft, one of which was the aforementioned cornerback crop.
Now it’s time to evaluate those positions that don’t quite hit the depth chart as hard. In fact, they should be viewed as the Niners’ weakest positional groups heading into 2022.
49ers weak position No. 3: Tight end
Key additions in 2022: Tyler Kroft, Troy Fumagalli
“Weak” has to be somewhat relative a term here, especially considering San Francisco boasts one of the best tight ends in the game in All-Pro George Kittle.
However, considering the fact Kittle does have something of a noteworthy injury history over his pro career, the need to identify a serviceable backup is always on the table.
Understandably, the 49ers didn’t reach on what was generally considered a weak draft class at tight end, so we shouldn’t knock the front office too much there. Yet banking on Kittle to be supported by reserve tight ends like Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner is a bit of a tall task, especially considering Dwelley’s sharp decrease in production in 2021.
The Niners’ offseason addition of veteran tight end Tyler Kroft sparks the competition, and he’ll unquestionably challenge both Dwelley and Woerner for a spot on the depth chart.
Raise your hand if you ever heard of Troy Fumagalli, though.
Regardless, San Francisco better hope Kittle enjoys a rare fully healthy season in 2022.