Niner Noise
FanSided

What San Francisco 49ers fans really want this holiday season — Part 12

By Eric Gamboa

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fan holds a sign for owner Jed York during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fan holds a sign for owner Jed York during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Addressing the Scot McCloughan Myth

Back to the myth Trent Baalke’s early success came at the hands of the previous GM. Former Niners general manager Scot McCloughan should get credit for bringing in players like Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Alex Smith, Michael Crabtree, Ray McDonald, Ahmad Brooks, Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Dashon Goldson and Joe Staley.

Baalke should then also get credit for bringing in Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, NaVorro Bowman, Aldon Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Chris Culliver, Daniel Kilgore, Bruce Miller, Eric Reid, Jimmie Ward, Carlos Hyde, Chris Borland and Aaron Lynch.

In addition, Baalke should also get credit for bringing in players like Anquan Boldin, Antoine Bethea, Donte Whitner and Stevie Johnson.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan reacts during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Redskins and Bengals tied 27-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan reacts during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Redskins and Bengals tied 27-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

As far as talented players go, Baalke drafted 13 to McCloughan’s 11 players. As far as who brought in more elite talent that definitely goes to McCloughan but Baalke was no slouch when you consider he drafted Iupati, A. Davis, Bowman, B. Miller and Eric Reid.

Baalke should also get credit for drafting the current 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Love him or hate him, Kaepernick played a significant role in the success of those 2011, 2012 and 2013 49er teams.

Also, many forget that Baalke was Director of Player Personnel under McCloughan. As McCloughan’s right-hand man, Baalke would have had a major say in which players the 49ers drafted. So it is hard to know how much of the credit belongs to McCloughan alone.

In addition, many have failed to acknowledge that McCloughan also made his own series of gaffes during his tenure as the team’s GM.