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5 Worst NFL Draft Picks in San Francisco 49ers History

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 1: Quarterback Jim Druckenmiller

No. 26 Overall in the 1997 NFL Draft

There’s no way around it. Quarterback Jim Druckenmiller was the worst pick the 49ers have ever made in the NFL Draft.

The former Virginia Tech prospect was supposed to be a seamless fit in a pro-style offense. He had a big arm and was likely viewed as the heir apparent to Hall of Fame QB Steve Young as the latter was entering his final seasons at the NFL level.

Per Niners Nation’s David Fucillo, the Niners went against the late Bill Walsh’s recommendation of selecting quarterback Jake Plummer and elected to go with Druckenmiller instead.

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It was a huge mistake.

He managed just six games and one start over a two-year stint with the 49ers, tossing one touchdown against four interceptions, before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 1999.

Druckenmiller’s NFL career came to a close following the 1999 season.

Next: Worst 49ers Quarterbacks of All Time

For a first-round pick, it’s hard to find a bigger draft bust than what the 49ers gaffed on back in 1997.