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With their first 2022 NFL Draft selection not coming until No. 61 overall, the San Francisco 49ers were required to remain patient without a first-round selection for the first time in the Lynch-Shanahan era due to last year's trade-up to select quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick.
With that first selection, the 49ers took USC edge rusher Drake Jackson, who some analysts considered a fringe first-round talent, making it shocking that he was still available near the end of the second round.
However, with their second selection at pick No. 93, the 49ers surprised many, drafting LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price, who not only was a player at a position of low value, but also a player projected to go potentially one or two rounds later. So, why did they select Davis-Price at that spot?
Last offseason, the 49ers selected two running backs in the draft, despite already rostering four 53-man candidates, taking Ohio State product Trey Sermon in the third round and Louisiana product Elijah Mitchell.
While Sermon struggled to find adequate playing time, Mitchell was the 49ers' leading rusher in 2021, carrying the ball 207 times for 963 yards, essentially serving as a bell-cow back for the team as they made it to their second NFC Championship in three years.
But, en route to garnering over 200 carries last year, Mitchell dealt with a number of injuries, including shoulder, rib, and chest injuries, as well as a finger fracture, concussion, and a knee patella sprain, costing him six total games.
With the selection of Davis-Price, it appears that the 49ers are trying to correct course from their Sermon selection a year ago, as the move almost assuredly drops Sermon on the depth chart, potentially even to the fourth running back on the roster behind Mitchell, Davis-Price, and veteran Jeff Wilson Jr.
Davis-Price can operate as a complement to Elijah Mitchell, as his combination of explosiveness and strength will help move the chains for the 49ers between the tackles.
The 49ers have spent the offseason solidifying the roster around second-year quarterback Trey Lance, adding gadget weapon Ray-Ray McCloud as a receiver, while also adding significant depth to the offensive line.
Adding Davis-Price to the mix further indicates the 49ers' plan to run the ball significantly in 2022, but also serves as insurance for Elijah Mitchell, as the 49ers were forced to use Deebo Samuel as a running back last year due to the lack of available bodies at the position.
Davis-Price has shown good reps as a pass-protector as well, although his lack of usage as a receiver provides skepticism for his ability as a third-down back.
While the pick wasn't the best use of resources, given there were multiple safeties on the board and a number of other good players within reach, Davis-Price is a good player who could end up being San Francisco's biggest contributor from the rookie class in Year 1.
49ers may consider drafting this Louisville running back
By David Bonilla
Apr 7
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda recently reported that the San Francisco 49ers have a third-round grade on Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo and may consider selecting him as day two of the 2024 NFL Draft closes out.
Notably, Pauline deleted his social media post for unknown reasons, and it has yet to resurface. However, it can be viewed below.
Pauline reported that Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo is on the #49ers' radar. His tweet has since been deleted but can be seen below.
Feldman Has 49ers Selecting an Offensive Tackle in the First Round
By Kraz Greinetz
Apr 7
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic has released his first round mock draft, complete with insights from opposing college coaches about every prospect. Like many mock drafts, Feldman's has the Niners addressing the O-Line in the first round. Feldman thinks the Niners will select Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims with the No. 31 overall pick. Mims, a 6-foot-8, 340-pound junior, is a popular pick for the Niners in mock drafts,
ESPN's Barnwell: 49ers trading up in Round 1 to draft a cornerback 'could make sense'
By David Bonilla
Apr 8
The San Francisco 49ers currently hold the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While many expect them to address the offensive line, given their recent focus on defense in free agency, ESPN's Bill Barnwell suggests a different approach. He advocates for the 49ers to use their first-round pick on a cornerback and potentially trade up to secure the right talent.
Trading up wouldn't be out of character for the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch regime. The last time the 49ers owned the No. 31 overall pick, they surrendered two more selections to move up to No. 25 overall, where they drafted wide receiver Brandon
49ers address both sides of the ball in latest Kiper 2-round mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
The San Francisco 49ers have overhauled their defensive line in free agency, bidding farewell to defensive tackle Arik Armstead and defensive end Chase Young while bolstering their ranks with the signings of defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos. Additionally, they acquired defensive tackle Maliek Collins via trade.
Having focused primarily on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, the 49ers are widely anticipated to turn their attention to the offensive side in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Long-standing ESPN analyst Mel Kiper unveiled his latest mock draft, this
