The San Francisco 49ers draft was not well-received by at least one member of the national media. NFL writer Gilberto Manzano gave the 49ers a final grade of "D" for their efforts in the recent three-day college draft.

For example, the Miami Dolphins took wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with the No. 6 overall pick in 2021. Waddle, who has averaged just over 1,000 receiving yards per season, has been quite good. However, players picked shortly after him, including Penei Sewell, Patrick Surtain II and Micah Parsons, have become perennial Pro Bowlers.