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Re-evaluating Trent Baalke’s Failure in the Draft as the 49ers General Manager

By Akash Anavarathan

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 /
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Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Andre Hal (38) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Andre Hal (38) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2012 NFL Draft

Here are the Baalke’s picks from the 2012 NFL Draft:

Round 1: Pick 30: WR A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

Round 2: Pick 61: RB LaMichael James, Oregon

Round 4: Pick 117: OG Joe Looney, Wake Forest

Round 5: Pick 165: LB Darius Fleming, Notre Dame

Round 6: Pick 180: DB Trent Robinson, Michigan St.

Round 6: Pick 199: OL Jason Slowey, Western Oregon

Round 7: Pick 237: DE Cam Johnson, Virginia

Round 1: Pick 30: WR A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

Baalke’s biggest miss by far in his career and potentially a reason he lost his GM position. After this pick, he was scared to draft an receivers in the first three rounds.

Grade: F

Round 2: Pick 61: RB LaMichael James, Oregon

With speed and talent coming out of Oregon, many had hoped James would become a good backup for Frank Gore. He stuck with the 49ers for a while, but with injuries piling up, eventually was let go.

Grade: C

Round 4: Pick 117: OG Joe Looney, Wake Forest

No longer with the 49ers, Looney lasted with the 49ers from this draft class.

Grade: D

Round 5: Pick 165: LB Darius Fleming, Notre Dame

Who? He is a Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots in 2014.

Grade: F

Round 6: Pick 180: DB Trent Robinson, Michigan St.

Played in three games his rookie season with the 49ers, but has moved on to Washington since.

Grade: D

Round 6: Pick 199: OL Jason Slowey, Western Oregon

Next.

Grade: F

Round 7: Pick 237: DE Cam Johnson, Virginia

Johnson played in a few games for the 49ers, but has bounced around the league and last played with the Cleveland Browns

Grade: D

Overall 2012 Draft Grade: D-