The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft is in the books. Without a first-round pick, the San Francisco 49ers had an inactive evening on Thursday night, playing the part of observers. Reports state that the Niners had offers for Deebo Samuel but were not interested in trading their do-it-all wide receiver.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein took a look at the second round could shape up with a new mock draft. San Francisco's first selection of the night and the draft comes at No. 61 overall. Zierlein has John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan's squad bolstering their defensive line with the addition of defensive end Micheal Clemons of Texas A&M, adding a bookend for star pass rusher Nick Bosa.
"He's a little bit tight in his lower body, but he boasts powerful hands and is a tough guy who can play opposite Nick Bosa," wrote Zierlein.
Clemons registered 32 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble through 10 game appearances as a senior in 2021, per Sports Reference. He recorded 93 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble through his four collegiate seasons.
"A tight-legged defensive end with NFL measurables and toughness, Clemons' style of football won't be a flavor that will appeal to every team," Zierlein wrote of Clemons in his earlier analysis of the defender. "His movements are rigid and limiting at times, but his motor and play strength are qualities some teams see as building blocks for a successful career in more physically minded fronts. He needs to diversify his rush approach but his heavy hands have legitimate pro potential in opening pathways to the pocket. He has pro-ready traits, but a lack of fluidity and functional agility create a limited ceiling."
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6' 5 1/4" and 263-pound Clemons had a broad jump of 116 inches and 24 reps in the bench press. His other measurables include an arm length of 34 7/8 inches and hands measuring 10 inches.
Clemons had a vertical jump of 35 inches and a 7.20-second three-cone drill time at his personal Pro Day.
