NFL
2022 NFL Draft: Grades for Drake Jackson and Every Other San Francisco 49ers Pick
Luke Norris began his sportswriting career in 2013 and joined Sportscasting in 2020. The former Section Editor of the NFL and Motorsports sections, he now spends his time here in the role of Senior Writer-Programmer. His well-rounded sports knowledge allows him to cover the NFL, NBA, PGA Tour, MLB, boxing, WWE, and NASCAR for Sportscasting. Luke is an avid golfer who finds inspiration in the way sports can bring people together and provide a distraction from the real world. He hopes to provide a little entertainment or an escape from the real world with every article he writes, even if only for a few minutes. In addition to his work here at Sportscasting, Luke's work has appeared on The Sportster, Inquisitr, GiveMeSport, FanSided, Yahoo! Fox Sports, and Sports Illustrated.
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The San Francisco 49ers took their fans on a wild ride this past NFL postseason as they shocked the world by beating both the Dallas Cowboys and the top-seeded Green Bay Packers on the road to reach the NFC Championship Game for the second time in three seasons. Sure, they fell short of the Super Bowl as they lost to the eventual champion LA Rams, but it was still a successful 2021 campaign.
That wild ride hasn’t stopped this offseason, but this portion of the ride isn’t as much fun for Niners fans as All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel has expressed his desire to leave the franchise that took him with the 36th overall pick in the NFL Draft just three years ago.
And then there’s the matter of what to do with Jimmy Garroppolo. It seems clear that last year’s No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance, is the preferred option under center, but San Francisco has yet to move Jimmy G.
However, they did take a quarterback with the final pick of the draft in Brock Purdy, a further indication that as soon as they can find a trade partner, Garoppolo is out the door. But the Niners also addressed several other needs with their nine selections.
2022 NFL Draft picks by San Francisco 49ers
- No. 61 Overall: Drake Jackson, DE, USC
- No. 93 Overall: Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, LSU
- No. 105 Overall: Danny Gray, WR, SMU
- No. 134 Overall: Spencer Burford, OT, Texas-San Antonio
- No. 172 Overall: Samuel Womack, CB, Toledo
- No. 187 Overall: Nick Zakelj, OT, Fordham
- No. 220 Overall: Kalia Davis, DT, Central Florida
- No. 221 Overall: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
- No. 262 Overall: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
No. 61 Overall: Drake Jackson, DE, USC
A three-year starter at USC, which is no small feat, Drake Jackson is a solid get for the 49ers at No. 61 overall. While he still needs to get a bit stronger, the California native is extremely agile and will certainly improve San Francisco’s pass rush. And he’s certainly got time as he’s a fresh 21, just celebrating his birthday on April 12.
Grade: B
No. 93 Overall: Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, LSU
I’m not really digging this pick for the Niners, at least not at No. 93. Davis-Price could be a solid backup in the NFL, but he went a couple of rounds too early.
Grade: C-
No. 105 Overall: Danny Gray, WR, SMU
If the Niners do trade Samuel, they at least drafted a decent replacement in Danny Gray. He won’t be a superstar, at least not right away, but he’s solid after the catch and will be a good third or fourth option to start.
Grade: C+
Day 3 Picks
No. 134 Overall: Spencer Burford, OT, Texas-San Antonio
Spencer Burford may not start right away, but Trent Williams is getting older, and getting some insurance is a solid call for the Niners in this spot.
Grade: B
No. 172 Overall: Samuel Womack, CB, Toledo
At 5’10” and under 190 pounds, Samuel Womack will have his work cut out for him at the NFL level.
Grade: C-
No. 187 Overall: Nick Zakelj, OT, Fordham
The Niners have done well in bolstering the offensive line with two of these last three picks. Zakelj could have easily gone a round or maybe even two earlier, so this is a good value at No. 187.
Grade: B
No. 220 Overall: Kalia Davis, DT, Central Florida
lf Kalia Davis wasn’t coming off a torn ACL, he likely goes a few rounds earlier. No risk for San Francisco at this juncture.
Grade: B
No. 221 Overall: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
If Tariq Castro-Fields can regain the form he had two years ago, he’ll be an absolute steal at No. 221. No risk whatsoever here either for the Niners.
Grade: B
No. 262 Overall: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
Brock Purdy could become the first “Mr. Irrelevant” to ever throw a pass in the NFL, but he’ll never be a starter in this league. But he could be a decent backup for Trey Lance once Garoppolo goes.
Grade: B-
Stats courtesy of Sports Reference
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