Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Reevaluating the 2011 NFL Draft, Five Years Later

By Bryan Knowles

December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 12
Next
Oct 25, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Mike Person (68) tosses his glove into the stands as he exits the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Atlanta won 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Mike Person (68) tosses his glove into the stands as he exits the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Atlanta won 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 7, Pick No. 239: Michael Person, G, Montana State

Mike Person came out of FCS Montana State, known for his work ethic and football smarts—a player who produced above and beyond his physical limitations. He was lauded for his leadership and effort, and all those sorts of things you praise on a player who isn’t physically dominating.  His ceiling was considered to be a backup, depth lineman.

Person never entered a game for the 49ers, though he did make the 2011 roster. He was considered mostly forgettable until this last season, when he started 14 games at center for the Atlanta Falcons and, all things considered, didn’t do too badly.

For a seventh-round pick to contribute at all five years later is impressive, even if never did anything in the red and gold.

Grade: C+

Next: Curtis Holcomb