San Francisco 49ers 2022 Mock Draft: Ushering in the Trey Lance Era

Round 4, Pick 130: Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State

One of my favorite sleepers in the draft comes off the board early day three. The San Francisco 49ers clearly need more help in the secondary, as I’ve stated multiple times now. McCollum has the chops to become a true number one corner in the league. He stays with receivers in coverage and takes assignments personally when he’s out on an island. He has the moxie to be a threat in man-to-man coverage and the athletic ability and smarts to be a capable zone defender. McCollum excels with press coverage as well, using his strength to knock receivers off their route, giving them little separation as the play develops.

McCollum has never played against another NFL-caliber talent at Sam Houston State, so he will have to prove that he belongs with the cream of the crop. His first opportunity to turn heads will be this week at the Senior Bowl.

Round 6, Pick 186: Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State

Bellinger is arguably the best blocker at the position in the entire draft. He is balanced at the point of contact and uses his strong frame to move people out of the way with ease. He moves pretty well for his size, showing ability to get to the second level after busting open a hole for his running back with the initial contact off the line.

What Bellinger brings to the blocking game cannot completely overshadow his lack of prowess in the passing game. Bellinger is very much cut from the old school cloth for the position, having never surpassed five catches in a game at any point in his college career and routinely being used as a blocker in the red zone rather than a threat to score.

In round six, if you can lock in a TE2 that fits your system and the mentality of the rest of the roster, you can live with his deficiencies. Ross Dwelley is an impending free agent and if the San Francisco 49ers elect to let him walk, Daniel Bellinger would be a great replacement.

Round 7, Pick 250: Reed Blankenship, SS, Middle Tennessee

Reed Blankenship is an interesting prospect. He is a downhill safety that does well setting the tone and making every tackle possible. He recorded 110 such tackles in 2021, with ten of them being behind the line.

Blankenship is like a land mine. You never see him coming but you know when he hits you. He is a playmaker and has a motor that never seems to run out of gas. He fits the mold as a thumper but he has better range than one would expect.

Blankenship will have to improve his angles against NFL level talent because sloppy technique is harder to hide on Sundays than it is at Middle Tennessee. He’s also raw when it comes to play recognition, but that is something that can be taught by a professional coaching staff.

All that being said, Blankenship could realistically compete with a veteran for the safety spot opposite Jimmie Ward.

Round 7, Pick 253: Charleston Rambo, WR, Miami

Charleston Rambo started his college career in Norman, Oklahoma as a recruit of Lincoln Riley. In 2019, Rambo caught 43 passes totaling 743 yards from former OU — and current Eagles — starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Following an uneventful 2020 season, Rambo decided to look for greener grass elsewhere.

Instead he found sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Rambo landed with the Miami Hurricanes in 2021 and it proved to be a great decision. Rambo rejuvenated his career with 79 catches, 1172 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 career games in South Beach.

Rambo plays quicker than his 40-yard dash time will indicate and can immediately provide even more competition in the wide receiver room. His hands are like a vacuum, consistently hauling in anything in his vicinity. He does lack strength in his smaller frame, which will lead to getting taken out of plays by bigger defenders. He’s also never going to be a great blocker, even if the effort is there.

There’s a reason he’s available on day three. Rambo is likely just a depth piece in the league but his game breaking speed, hands, and overall shiftiness with the ball is enough of a spark to make the risk worthwhile for the San Francisco 49ers.

Round 7, Pick 259: Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest

Zach Tom has something you simply cannot teach, and that something is loads of experience. Tom started 35 games over his final three seasons at Wake Forest. He played center in 2019 and has been the starting left tackle the past two seasons. Considering his shorter arms and smaller frame overall, I project Tom as an interior lineman in the league.

While he can be overpowered outside, Tom is stronger than one would think when lined up inside. He will be able to add depth and be an above average spot starter if injuries arise. There is even a chance he could eventually take over the starting center role when Alex Mack moves on.

He has enough of a nasty streak to fit in the power run scheme but is pretty athletic and does well out in space. That versatility is essential to NFL teams. The final pick in this San Francisco 49ers mock draft is boring, yes, but it is necessary. If Tom is still around, you have to take the chance on a guy with his makeup and experience.