In a surprising turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers displayed a shift in their drafting philosophy during the 2022 NFL Draft. While Coach Kyle Shanahan continued his penchant for selecting running backs, the team opted not to address the pass rush, focusing instead on bolstering their offensive line and secondary depth.

The 49ers made several moves to solidify their offensive line, an area that has been a concern in previous seasons. Trading back one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs, they selected Renardo Green after the Baltimore Ravens took Roger Rosengarten, a player heavily linked to San Francisco. This decision raised eyebrows among fans on social media, as it allowed the defending Super Bowl champions to snatch away a player that the 49ers potentially had high interest in. The trade also resulted in Kansas City selecting Kingsley Suamatia, another tackle who had been associated with the 49ers.

Coach Shanahan's intention to address the right tackle position was evident when the 49ers extended Colton McKivitz, indicating their confidence in him for the 2024 season. However, in a surprising twist, the team focused on competition for right guard Spencer Burford, instead of finding competition for McKivitz. Dominick Puni, an interior lineman, was selected in the third round to provide depth and create a competitive environment within the offensive line.

While the offensive line received attention, the 49ers continued their pattern of selecting running backs. Isaac Guerendo was acquired in a trade-up, marking the third running back chosen by the team in the last four years. Shanahan sees Guerendo as a promising addition to the backfield, given his size, athleticism, and ability to pass protect. However, it remains to be seen how he will fit into a rotation that includes Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason.

One significant departure from previous drafts was the 49ers' decision not to address the pass rush. This marks the first time since the 2021 draft that the team has foregone selecting a pass rusher. After an eventful free agency period that saw both losses and additions to the defensive line, the focus shifted to strengthening the secondary depth. Notable additions include Rock Ya-Sin, Isaac Yiadom, and Chase Lucas in free agency, along with draft selections Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha. These moves have created a deep secondary for the 49ers, which could prove beneficial in the upcoming season.

As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how these strategic moves during the draft will impact the San Francisco 49ers' performance on the field. With a revamped offensive line, a diverse backfield, and an enhanced secondary, the team is poised to make a strong push in the upcoming season.