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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Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Baalke the “Draft Ninja”

Trent Baalke has and continues to maneuver up and down the draft board, often stockpiling draft picks.

Baalke’s ability to acquire double-digit draft picks paid major dividends early on. Since 2010, few GMs have been able to accumulate draft picks like Baalke.

Having a plethora of draft picks allowed Baalke to maneuver around the board and to orchestrate draft-day trades for players like Stevie Johnson and Anquan Boldin.

In fact, his early draft success was so evident that he was named the NFL’s 2011 Executive of the Year.

Of course that was five years ago. Since then, much has changed.