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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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Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2010 NFL Draft

Round 1 – Anthony Davis, T
Round 1 – Mike Iupati, G
Round 2 – Taylor Mays, DB
Round 3 – NaVorro Bowman, LB
Round 6 – Anthony Dixon, FB
Round 6 – Nate Byham, TE
Round 6 – Kyle Williams, WR
Round 7 – Phillip Adams, DB

Current 49ers general manager Trent Baalke began to emerge on the scene in 2010 as the team’s vice president of player personnel but, regardless, the 2010 49ers draft class was one of the better ones the team had in recent history.

San Francisco solved its offensive line woes by tabbing linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati in Round 1. Both would go on to become stalwarts of one of the NFL’s best O-lines over the next few years.

Safety Taylor Mays was a clear disappointment, and his coverage skills and instincts never matched his physique or second-round selection.

But the Niners more than made up for it by grabbing inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman in Round 3.

Running back and fullback Anthony Dixon wound up being a nice complementary piece to the offense, and Kyle Williams — the wide receiver best remembered for his gaffes in the 2011 NFC Championship game versus the New York Giants — wasn’t a bad pick either.

Best Pick: NaVorro Bowman

Davis and Iupati were great picks for the 49ers. But the clear choice here is Bowman. It didn’t take long for the perennial Pro Bowler to surpass fellow linebacker, and close friend, Patrick Willis as the team’s best inside guy.

Bowman remains one of the dominant figures on the Niners roster.

Worst Pick: Taylor Mays

Then-head coach Mike Singletary touted Mays for most of the season. But Mays’ on-field efforts never translated into anything worthy of effectiveness.

San Francisco traded Mays away after just one season and received a seventh-round pick in return.

Grade: A

Next: 2011 NFL Draft