Most first-round mock drafts aren't of much interest to San Francisco 49ers fans because the team doesn't own a first-round selection until 2024. This and next year's selections were traded away as part of the move up to the No. 3 overall pick to select quarterback Trey Lance last year.
On Monday, ESPN's Jordan Reid released a two-round mock, including the 49ers' first selection. San Francisco is projected to own nine picks in the upcoming draft, with the first currently slated to be the No. 61 overall pick.
Who does Reid have the Niners acquiring with that first selection? He has safety Jalen Pitre of Baylor being added to the defense while noting that the team's biggest needs are defensive back, interior offensive linemen, and wide receiver.
"Pitre really impressed me at the Senior Bowl, and he was one of the biggest risers from the event," wrote Reid. "He primarily played the STAR position in Dave Aranda's defense at Baylor, but he has a better skill set than playing only close to the line of scrimmage. Pitre is a smooth operator in coverage with some range. With Jaquiski Tartt hitting free agency, the 49ers could try to get younger in their secondary."
In 2017, Pitre started eight games at linebacker as a true freshman for the Baylor Bears, making 12 total game appearances and recording 37 tackles and a sack. However, his most productive seasons were his last two (2020-21), when he recorded 135 total tackles, six sacks, four interceptions, two touchdowns, nine passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries after moving to the safety position.
Pitre was a consensus first-team All-American in 2021, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. In addition, he was twice named first-team All-Big 12 (2020, 2021).
The last Baylor player drafted by the 49ers was wide receiver Jalen Hurd in 2019. He is no longer with the team.
The 2022 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 28 at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada.
