With the 2022 NFL season officially over, mock drafts will begin appearing in masses. Chad Reuter produced one of the three-round variety for NFL.com, which is good for San Francisco 49ers fans. Their team doesn't own a first- or second-round pick in April's draft. The good news is that the Niners are projected to own three third-rounders, all of which are compensatory picks awarded as part of the NFL's minority-hiring incentive program.
One selection comes courtesy of Robert Saleh becoming the head coach of the New York Jets and Martin Mayhew Mayhew becoming the general manager of the Washington Commanders. A second comes from the Miami Dolphins hiring Mike McDaniels last year. The third is from Ran Carthan becoming the general manager of the Tennessee Titans.
What does Reuter have the 49ers doing with those three selections?
At pick No. 99 overall, the draft analyst has San Francisco bolstering its defensive line with another young edge rusher, K.J. Henry of Clemson. Reuter's colleague, Lance Zierlein, wrote the following about Henry.
Highly athletic edge defender with good size. Henry has upfield burst, but he tends to be a face-up rusher and will need to improve his hand usage for more effective corner turns. He can be dynamic when twisting and blitzing as a moveable piece around the defensive front and he does a nice job of setting up a buttery smooth inside rush that is often too quick for tackles. He can dart and disrupt as a one-gapper with his hand in the ground but has more trouble than expected in setting firm edges as a run defender. Henry's strengths and weaknesses are well-defined, with the upside to become a starter.
Henry (6-4, 255) racked up 13 sacks over the last four seasons with Clemson, adding 124 tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 11 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles throughout his collegiate career.
At No. 101, Reuter has the 49ers adding cornerback Darius Rush of South Carolina. Zierlein wrote the following about Rush.
Two-year starter at cornerback after moving from wide receiver in his redshirt freshman season. Rush is big, long and physical. He struggles to stay connected with routes from both press and off coverages but could improve with more technique work. He will never have the short area foot quickness to mirror and match routes but has impressive ball skills to disrupt the catch when he's in position.
Rush (6-2, 195) hauled in three interceptions and 15 passes defensed over the last two seasons.
One pick later, at No. 102, Reuter has San Francisco drafting guard Nick Saldiveri of Old Dominion. Zierlein wrote the following about Saldiveri.
Three-year starter with good overall size/length and the potential to play multiple spots along the offensive line. Saldiveri is naturally athletic and should fit best as a zone blocker or pulling guard who can get out into space and find work. Hand skill and placement are consistent issues on tape and could prevent him from neutralizing NFL opposition at a functional level. If he proves he can snap the ball and makes a move to center, that should improve his draft stock and give him a better chance as a pro.
Saldiveri (6-6, 316) started 11 games for Old Dominion in 2022, one at right guard and 10 at right tackle, not allowing a sack all season.
