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The 2022 NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams across the league are finalizing their scouting reports. For the San Francisco 49ers, this is an important time for them to continue adding young talent to their roster. Just a few years removed from their last Super Bowl appearance, the front office must continue to make the right decisions in order for them to be competitive in the future.
Nonetheless, in this post, we'll discuss some of our 49ers' predictions for the upcoming NFL Draft. There are some key areas of need the 49ers must address in this year's draft. Most notably, they need help at safety and cornerback, but there's also room for improvement on their offensive line.
With nine picks at their disposal, the 49ers will have plenty of options to choose from. After falling short against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game, San Francisco will be seeking out high-impact additions to their roster for next season. With all this said, here are our 49ers predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft.
San Francisco 49ers Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft
The 49ers will select Illinois standout Kerby Joseph late in the second round
At 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, Kerby Joseph has the size and physical presence to be a real difference-maker in San Francisco's secondary. His sideline-to-sideline capabilities show that he has great potential as a free safety. Which also means he could be a long-term replacement for Jimmie Ward somewhere down the road. Add to that his experience playing as an in-the-box safety, and the Niners could have an absolute steal of a draft pick.
Plus with five interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season, Joseph has also put his playmaking abilities on display. Sure, he can still improve in some areas and may be a little rough around the edges, but with his with his versatile skill set he'd have a good chance to win the starting job if the 49ers select him.
San Francisco will draft Tyler Linderbaum to improve their offensive line
This one may be a bit of a long shot considering that he probably won't fall this low in the draft, but on the chance that he does this would be a smart move for the Niners to make. Especially considering that veteran Pro Bowler Alex Mack may consider retirement this offseason. Either way, Tyler Linderbaum would be a major asset to the 49ers as the most well-rounded interior lineman in this year's draft.
His ability to play both guard spots would fill a major need for San Fran and give them some insurance with Laken Tomlinson no longer in the picture. In the case that Linderbaum does fall to the second round and the 49ers select him, there's a high probability he'd be inserted into their starting lineup.
Arnold Ebiketie will be summoned to the Bay Area
Outside of elite edge rusher Nick Bosa, the 49ers lack quality depth at the position. Bringing in Arnold Ebiketie would fill this need and lessen the load for Bosa on defense. Even though he's relatively small for an edge rusher, his speed and elusiveness allow him to blow bypass blockers to make big plays. This would make him the perfect pairing with Bosa on the 49ers defensive front. With so many high-end pass-rushing prospects available in this year's draft class, this move seems like a no-brainer for the 49ers.
