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San Francisco 49ers: Regrading Each Niners’ NFL Draft Class from the Last 10 Years

By Peter Panacy

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2005 NFL Draft

Round 1 – Arik Armstead, DE
Round 2 – Jaquiski Tartt, S
Round 3 – Eli Harold, LB
Round 4 – Blake Bell, TE
Round 4 – Mike Davis, RB
Round 4 – DeAndre Smelter, WR
Round 5 – Bradley Pinion, P
Round 6 – Ian Silberman, G
Round 7 – Trent Brown, OL
Round 7 – Busta Anderson, TE

General manager Trent Baalke’s latest draft class is the most difficult to assess simply because we only have one year of information to gauge an argument. Plus, the 49ers were so bad in 2015 that it makes a true gauge of each player’s impact much tougher.

Still, the 49ers were looking to find a replacement for retired defensive end Justin Smith and selected Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead with the 17th overall pick.

Armstead, while physically intimidating, didn’t put up tremendous stats at the collegiate level, which led to some initial criticism of the selection. But Armstead came on strong during the latter half of 2015 and could likely be a worthy component of San Francisco’s defensive line.

The same could be said of safety Jaquiski Tartt within the Niners secondary. His coverage skills still need some work, but Tartt has a high ceiling.

Tight ends Blake Bell and Busta Anderson also have plenty of physical gifts, so it will be interesting to see how the 49ers use these guys next season. A similar argument could be made for wide receiver DeAndre Smelter, who was redshirted in 2015.

But Baalke shocked the NFL world by drafting Clemson punter Bradley Pinion in Round 5. Pinion had his up-and-down moments his rookie season, but punters aren’t usually drafted.

He was here.

Best Pick: Arik Armstead

Again, the book remains out on the 49ers’ returns on investments from this class. But Armstead looks as if he’ll have the best chance out of this crop to make the biggest impact. At best, he’ll turn into the pocket-wrecking force the Niners lost when Smith retired.

Worst Pick: Bradley Pinion

Pinion actually averaged more yards per punt his rookie season (43.6) than the guy he replaced, Andy Lee, during his first NFL year (41.6).

Still, why draft a punter when he likely would have been had as an undrafted free agent?

Grade: B-

Perhaps in 10 years we’ll look back at the next group of 49ers draft classes and point out how 2016, 2017 and some seasons beyond will have boasted some of the better crop of prospects seen in San Francisco history.

Or, as many feel in regards to Baalke, the next handful of seasons could be an utter disaster like the 2008 or 2012 classes.

More from Niner Noise

It’s impossible to say unless you have the ability to see into the future.

Regardless, San Francisco will be in total need of a solid draft this season to reinforce a talent-depleted roster and to turn fortunes around in 2016.

Next: Ranking the 20 Worst Draft Picks in 49ers History

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.