San Francisco 49ers: Regrading All 6 NFL Draft Classes of GM Trent Baalke
By Peter Panacy
The 2011 NFL Draft
The Picks
| 1 | 7 | Aldon Smith | LB | Missouri |
| 2 | 36 | Colin Kaepernick | QB | Nevada-Reno |
| 3 | 80 | Chris Culliver | DB | South Carolina |
| 4 | 115 | Kendall Hunter | RB | Oklahoma State |
| 5 | 163 | Daniel Kilgore | G | Appalachian State |
| 6 | 182 | Ronald Johnson | WR | USC |
| 6 | 190 | Colin Jones | DB | Texas Christian |
| 7 | 211 | Bruce Miller | RB | Central Florida |
| 7 | 239 | Mike Person | G | Montana State |
| 7 | 250 | Curtis Holcomb | DB | Florida A&M |
One might consider 2011 to be general manager Trent Baalke’s best draft class. Looking at the names, it’s fairly easy to see why.
Linebacker Aldon Smith — 5
Legal and off-the-field issues aside, linebacker Aldon Smith was one of the best pass-rushers San Francisco had in years. His 19.5 sacks in 2012 nearly broke the single-season record and also earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl as a first-team All-Pro.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick — 4
2014 and 2015 stunk for quarterback Colin Kaepernick. There’s no doubting that. But it’s impossible to overlook how he took the NFL by storm in 2012 and rode that momentum through 2013. Oh, and the Niners were in two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl during that time.
Cornerback Chris Culliver — 3.5
It might have taken a couple of years for cornerback Chris Culliver to make an impact for the 49ers. But his 2015 campaign was a pretty good indication of what he’d be able to do. Too bad he didn’t stick around beyond that.
Running Back Kendall Hunter — 3
Tailback Frank Gore’s primary backup was a good change-of-pace running back between 2011 and 2015. Too bad injuries got in his way.
Offensive Lineman Daniel Kilgore — 4
Daniel Kilgore is currently anchoring the 49ers offensive line at center. Aside from injury, he has been one of San Francisco’s few mainstays along a problematic O-line in recent seasons.
Wide Receiver Ronald Johnson — 1
Wide receiver Ronald Johnson never saw action with San Francisco and is currently out of the NFL.
Defensive Back Colin Jones — 2
Colin Jones managed to appear in 13 games for the Niners in 2011, primarily on special teams.
Defensive End Bruce Miller — 4
Again, legal issues aside here. Before he was dismissed in 2016, defensive end (turned fullback, turned tight end) Bruce Miller was one of the more versatile weapons on San Francisco’s offense. Baalke found a gem here while it lasted.
Guard Michael Person — 1
Offensive guard Michael Person didn’t appear for San Francisco his rookie season and eventually landed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.
Defensive Back Curtis Holcomb — 1
Defensive back Curtis Holcomb didn’t see the field his rookie season and is now out of the NFL.