5 Worst NFL Draft Picks in San Francisco 49ers History
By Peter Panacy
Dishonorable Mentions
Sadly, the Niners have more than a few bad draft picks to put on a top-five list. Worry not, though. Every NFL team can chalk up at least a few busts and mistakes during the draft.
Here are a few who didn’t quite make the inglorious cut.
Kentwan Balmer, DL, No. 29 Overall in the 2008 NFL Draft
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers defensive line was supposed to get some much-needed help with former North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer, taken at No. 29 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Balmer spent just two seasons with the 49ers, eventually landing on injured reserve late in 2009 and then being dealt to the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 for a sixth-round pick.
His stint in San Francisco netted just 11 tackles and zero sacks.
Mike Rumph, DB, No. 27 Overall in the 2002 NFL Draft
Cornerback Mike Rumph was supposed to be the 49ers’ answer to the St. Louis Rams’ prolific aerial attack in the early 2000s — the “Greatest Show on Turf.”
Rumph had an ideal frame for the position. The only problem was his inability to cover anyone.
San Francisco tried moving him to safety to cover up this glaring weakness. But that move didn’t work either. Injuries and a lack of production derailed a sputtering NFL career, and Rumph was out of the league by 2007.
Reggie McGrew, DT, No. 24 Overall in the 1999 NFL Draft
The 1999 season provided an opportunity for the 49ers to make some splashes along their defensive line.
Former Florida defensive tackle Reggie McGrew was supposed to be an immediate impact player when San Francisco took him late in Round 1 of the 1999 NFL Draft.
This he was not, however. Injuries held him out of his rookie season. And he managed to appear in just 10 games in 2000 and 12 the following year.
Over that brief stretch, McGrew accumulated a mere seven tackles and one sack.