49ers vs. Packers: 5 must-watch storylines for 2022 preseason opener
By Peter Panacy
49ers vs. Packers storyline No. 3: How the rookies perform
You’re not likely to see too much of the 49ers’ 2022 rookie NFL Draft class this season. The bulk of the Niners’ selections were intended for depth purposes only, meaning the best time to watch this year’s crop for any extended measure of time will be during the preseason.
Spencer Burford is shaping up to be a first-year starter, which is great. Yet San Francisco’s top pick from the draft, EDGE Drake Jackson, is likely going to be a situational pass-rusher first before becoming an every-down player.
Still, if Jackson impresses in exhibition games, that’ll be plenty exciting.
Read More: Keep an eye on 49ers rookie Drake Jackson this preseason
Likewise, third-round offensive contributors like running back Tyrion Davis-Price and wide receiver Danny Gray could see extensive action on Friday against the Packers but may only be used sparingly once the regular season rolls around.
As far as the rest of those day-three picks? Well, there’s a good chance a majority of them don’t even make the 53-man roster.
Offensive lineman Nick Zakelj and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields are certainly on the roster bubble, and they’ll need an excellent preseason campaign to justify the 49ers using a spot on the depth chart for them.