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Analysts from around the Internet were hard at work offering grades for each team's decision as selections rolled in during Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the San Francisco 49ers being included in the fray after not having a draft pick on Day 1.
The reactions to the three choices the 49ers made on Day 2 were decidedly mixed. Most analysts liked the selection of USC edge defender Drake Jackson at pick 61 overall in Round 2, with a couple giving the choice very high praise. The reviews for the selection of LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price at pick 93 overall in Round 3 were not nearly as kind, while the selection of SMU wide receiver Danny Gray at pick 105 overall in Round 3 were more varied.
Here's a sampling of what analysts said about the decisions the 49ers made in Rounds 2 and 3. Click on an analyst's name to see their full Day 2 evaluations.
Writer: Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report
Grades: B-plus for Jackson, C for Davis-Price, B for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "Considering this pick came late in the second round, the 49ers found excellent value while addressing a premium position with a prospect who presents significant upside. Ironically, he's much like (Arik) Armstead in that he can play base end and provide plenty as an interior pass-rusher."
On Gray: "Gray's skills can help accentuate (Deebo) Samuel's play, as long as the latter remains with the team. At the very least, his 4.33-second 40-yard-dash speed should help open up the entire offense and create space for others to work."
Writer: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Grades: B-plus for Jackson, D for Davis-Price, C for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "Dark horse to be a stud EDGE down the road. Big recruit. Weight was up and down in college. Immense burst/bend combo around the corner. Not much else to his game yet, and now he can learn pass-rush moves from Nick Bosa. Has to get stronger too."
On Davis-Price: "Hammer of a back with dynamic burst. But minimal elusiveness and long speed. Way early for him. Way early."
On Gray: "Blazer down the field. Not overly sudden or refined as a route runner and he gets bodied by big, physical corners. Not a bouncy, contact-balance YAC type. This is a speciality type pick on Day 2. We know how Shanahan adores speed, but this is a little early for a one-trick pony."
Grades: A for Jackson, C for Davis-Price, B-plus for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "Jackson can get to the quarterback and should fit in well on the 49ers defensive line. The 49ers need to get to the QB more than they did last season and Jackson should help."
On Davis-Price: "Davis-Price is a tough runner, but doesn't have many special attributes. He fits the mold of Kyle Shanahan's offense, but Elijah Mitchell probably shouldn't worry too much."
On Gray: "The 49ers love players that can put up yards after the catch and I mean love, love, love. Gray is one of those guys."
Writer: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Grade: C for Day 2
Analysis: "Getting Jackson at the end of the second round was a steal. One of the more underrated defenders in this draft, he'll use his pass-rush acumen inside and outside for the 49ers. They used a third-round pick on a running back in Davis-Price, valuing his speed and willingness to pound the ball between the tackles rather than taking a cornerback or offensive lineman. With the final pick of the third round, Gray was added to provide a downfield threat to stretch defenses with pure speed."
Writer: Pro Football Focus
Grades: Elite for Jackson, Below average for Davis-Price, Very good for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "Jackson is a phenomenal value at No. 61 overall for San Francisco. He uses his hands really well and has great bend for the position. Even though he's 6-foot-3, 273 pounds, Jackson is much more of a finesse rusher who lacks any sort of power move. If he develops some counters to his speed rushes, he can be a fantastic pass-rusher for the 49ers."
On Gray: "Danny Gray's hands are awful, but everything else about him is pretty fantastic. He's a legit separator with deep speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash). San Francisco knows what they're doing when evaluating the wide receiver position. This is one of the best picks of Round 3."
Writer: Ryan Gosling, Pro Football Network
Grades: B-plus for Jackson, D for Davis-Price, B for Gray
Analysis: "Getting their draft started at No. 61, the San Francisco 49ers arguably got their guy who fits their defense best. Drake Jackson has bend and strength, a great get-off, and terrific athleticism. Jackson's upside is great, and he adds a nice complement opposite Nick Bosa.
"The 49ers then went AWOL and selected Tyrion Davis-Price from LSU. There were certainly other much more talented running backs on the board. There definitely were other positions of need on the board in general at pick No. 93. We know the 49ers aren't shy at taking or signing running backs, but this one is a shocker."
Writer: Kevin Hanson, Sports Illustrated
Grades: B for Jackson, D-plus for Davis-Price, B-minus for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "Given his abundance of tools—length, explosiveness and bend—Jackson didn't produce at the level some had expected in 2021, but he has the upside to become a highly productive pass rusher for San Francisco."
On Gray: "Gray isn't the biggest receiver, but he's one of the fastest (4.33 40-yard dash). He has the versatility to play inside and outside and gives the 49ers a vertical weapon in the passing game."
Writer: Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Grades: A for Jackson, D for Davis-Price, C for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "The 49ers needed some pass-rush versatility behind Nick Bosa and this is a good first pick from this class that aligns with the value. Jackson is a good fit in their scheme with his agility."
On Davis-Price: "Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have an addiction to backs of various sizes with the athleticism and quickness to perform well in their zone-blocking scheme. After finding Elijah Mitchell and also taking the big Trey Sermon in last year's draft, this was a bit of a superfluous pick on a deep Day 3 talent."
Writer: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Grades: B-plus for Jackson, D for Davis-Price, B-minus for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "Jackson is a solid prospect and I mocked him to the 49ers in my re-draft at this spot, so I like this selection."
On Gray: "I think this is a tad early for Gray, but it's not an egregious reach by any means. This is a fine selection to close out Day 2."
Writer: Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports
Grades: B-minus for Jackson, C for Davis-Price, C for Gray
Analysis: On Jackson: "Jackson's weight has fluctuated throughout his USC career, and he never fulfilled the expectations people had for him with the Trojans. But there's a lot of talent in that package that could thrive with the right guidance and usage."
On Davis-Price: "Davis-Price isn't really a receiver, and he's a one-note runner, but he has a value near the goal line, can handle the tough carries and will give up his welfare to pick up blitzes."
On Gray: "He has come a long way from junior college and scouts believe he's one to watch with the right development. For now, his lack of durability and shaky hands could hurt him along the way. He has some volatility as a prospect."
