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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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December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 Draft

Here are the Baalke’s picks from the 2016 NFL Draft:

Round 1: Pick 7: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon

Round 1: Pick 28: OG Joshua Garnett, Stanford

Round 3: Pick 68: CB Will Redmond, Mississippi St.

Round 4: Pick 133: CB Rashard Robinson, LSU

Round 5: Pick 142: DE Ronald Blair, Appalachian St.

Round 5: Pick 145: T John Theus, Georgia

Round 5: Pick 174: T Fahn Cooper, Mississippi

Round 6: Pick 207: QB Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech

Round 6: Pick 211: RB Kelvin Taylor, Florida

Round 6: Pick 213: WR Aaron Burbridge, Michigan St.

Round 7: Pick 249: CB Prince Charles Iworah, Western Kentucky

Round 1: Pick 7: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon

Buckner came out in his rookie year and was an absolute stud. He recorded six sacks in his rookie season and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team.

He looks to be a force in upcoming seasons and was a home-run pick by Baalke in his last year as GM. Though it was a widely expected draft pick, still have to give credit to the ex-49ers’ GM for making it.

Grade: A

Round 1: Pick 28: OG Joshua Garnett, Stanford

The 49ers rarely trade back into the first round. It’s the first time that Baalke traded up and had two first-round picks. Garnett was a solid starter this past season and took over the guard position a few games in.

He seems penciled in to the be starter of the future in one of the guard positions and seems to be a solid decision by Baalke.

Grade: B

Round 3: Pick 68: CB Will Redmond, Mississippi St.

One of Baalke’s picks for the “All-ACL” team, Redmond missed the entire 2016 season. He probably will be back competing for a cornerback position this season. But coming off the injury, is it guaranteed that Redmond makes a contribution?

Another “All-ACL” pick by Baalke that could come back and hurt the 49ers, especially for a valuable third-round pick.

Grade: D

Round 4: Pick 133: CB Rashard Robinson, LSU

The better of the two corners drafted early in 2016, Robinson saw a lot of action on the field. He played in 14 games, had eight passes defensed and 25 tackles. 

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

He will most likely come back and be the starter opposite to CB Tramaine Brock. A solid selection by Baalke in the fourth round for someone who features to be a starter in the immediate future.

Grade: B

Round 5: Pick 142: DE Ronald Blair, Appalachian St.

Blair, a fifth-round pick, came into this season and made a positive impact on the team. He had 16 tackles and three sacks, and seems to be one of the cornerstones on the defensive line.

Another great find by Baalke in the fifth round, who continues to find top-notch defensive talent later in the draft.

Grade: B

Round 5: Pick 145: T John Theus, Georgia

Now going offensive line, after going mostly defense in this draft, Baalke doesn’t do as hot here. In 206, Theus didn’t see any action on the field, and most likely won’t be in the near future.

Grade: D

Round 5: Pick 174: T Fahn Cooper, Mississippi

No longer with the 49ers anymore, Cooper landed with the Indianapolis Colts this past week. That probably tells you more than enough about Cooper’s 49ers’ tenure.

Grade: F

Round 6: Pick 207: QB Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech

Driskel, who many thought could be a sleeper quarterback option, is no longer with the 49ers. He landed with the Cincinnati Bengals shortly after. Again, another pick by Baalke that isn’t with the 49ers.

Grade: F

Round 6: Pick 211: RB Kelvin Taylor, Florida

Released before even the season began, Kelvin Taylor is now currently with the Seahawks.

Grade: F

Round 6: Pick 213: WR Aaron Burbridge, Michigan St.

A decent find by the ex-49ers’ GM here in the sixth round. Burbridge saw his role increase as the season went on, and probably will be back in the receiving corps this season.

Grade: C

Round 7: Pick 249: CB Prince Charles Iworah, Western Kentucky

Iworah actually saw sme live action, playing in one game and recording one tackle. With the signing of DB K’Waun Williams and a lot of DB depth, I don’t expect Iworah to have much of role with the 49ers.

Grade: D

Overall 2016 Draft Grade: C