With the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft now in the books, the picture begins to get a bit clearer on who the 49ers may select with their second-round pick. The 49ers hold the 61st pick in the second-round of the draft and what position they draft for is unknown, however this draft class seems to be deep at the right positions for San Francisco. Many mock drafts have the 49ers selecting a defensive back or possibly an EDGE, but either way the 49ers will have plenty of solid players to choose from.
S Jalen Pitre (Baylor) : It's unlikely that Pitre is still there this deep in the second-round but if he slips to the 49ers they should pounce. Pitre would a bring a versatility the 49ers secondary desperately needs, with Charvarius Ward now on the outside with Emmanuel Moseley, the 49ers need someone they can move in and out of the slot corner position. His skill set was on full display at Baylor where he played every position in the secondary and was the primary blitzing defensive back for the team. Pitre excels in the short game and can play well in man-to-man coverage but his top end speed is less than desirable and struggles covering receivers on deep routes.
S Nick Cross (Maryland) : If Pitre is not available Cross is the next best guy and the better athlete of the two. Cross posted a 4.34 40-yard dash along with a 37" vertical jump and is the most explosive athlete at the position. With 3.5 sacks and 2 FF in 2021, Cross poses as a true threat on the edge when given the opportunity to blitz. He also possesses a high motor that is one-hundred mph every play. His intensity and energy show on film, delivering huge hits while missing very few tackles. Getting Cross here would give the 49ers a chance to have possibly the best player at the position in years to come.
EDGE Nik Bonnito (Oklahoma) : Although the 49ers will likely select a defensive back, there is a possibility Bonnito slides right into the 49ers' laps at 61. Bonnito would add to an already intimidating pass rush featuring Nick Bosa. He is a raw prospect who will definitely need some fine-tuning, but his upside is through the roof. Bonnito finds his success at rushing with speed while being great in open space. He can cover a lot of ground from the position and drop in coverage if needed, but lacks the true size to excel at the position at just 248 pounds.
CB Tariq Woolen (UTSA) : Woolen has the most impressive measurables for a second-round defensive back in recent memory. With his 6'4 frame he can guard any receiver on the field, and to go along with his length is surprising 4.26 40-yard dash speed. He could be the missing piece for the 49ers secondary and would no doubt make an immediate impact. Woolen was a two-year starter but never really flashed any impressive numbers in the stat sheet finishing with just one interception and five pass breakups in his last season.
