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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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Sep 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (15) during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Chiefs won 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (15) during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Chiefs won 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

2012 NFL Draft

Round 1 – A.J. Jenkins, WR
Round 2 – LaMichael James, RB
Round 4 – Joe Looney, G
Round 5 – Darius Fleming, LB
Round 6 – Trent Robinson, DB
Round 6 – Jason Slowey, OL
Round 7 – Cam Johnson, DE

While general manager Trent Baalke’s efforts in 2011 may be regarded as his best, there is little doubt 2012 was his worst.

Things went wrong from the top when Baalke selected wide receiver A.J. Jenkins with the 30th pick overall. And LaMichael James, the dynamic Oregon running back, was never used to his potential in San Francisco’s offense.

Offensive guard Joe Looney struggled to see any significant playing time, and defenders Darius Fleming and Trent Robinson were also non-factors.

Out of that crop, defensive end Cam Johnson turned out to be the most promising. At least after one notable preseason performance before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts prior to the 2013 season.

Worst Pick: A.J. Jenkins

Again, another no-brainer here. But this one is for all the wrong reasons.

Jenkins struggled to get on the field his rookie season — his only one in San Francisco. When he did see regular-season action, Jenkins dropped the only ball ever thrown his way. The 49ers traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs the following year.

Best Pick: Cam Johnson

There aren’t any real positives from this group. One might suggest James was the best option even if he wasn’t used much outside of the return game. But that’s hardly a worthy investment for a second-round pick.

At least the 49ers were able to sell high on Johnson and get something in return.

Grade: F

Next: 2013 NFL Draft