Niner Noise
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What the 49ers’ 2017 NFL Draft would have looked like under Trent Baalke

By Logan Stanley

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 28: San Francisco 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke walks onto the field during pregame warm ups against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 28: San Francisco 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke walks onto the field during pregame warm ups against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images) /
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Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs by Baylor Bears linebacker Jordan Williams (38) during the second half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs by Baylor Bears linebacker Jordan Williams (38) during the second half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, No, 109: Running back Samaje Perine

Who and where they actually drafted: Quarterback C.J. Beathard, No. 104

It was a rarity for Baalke to draft a quarterback early. In fact, only once during his eight drafts did Baalke select a quarterback before Round 3 — Colin Kaepernick in 2011.

For some reason, it was not a position that Baalke prioritized early on in the draft. Whether it be he thought there was more value in waiting until later, or the risk was too great to select early, it was tradition for Baalke to just basically neglect quarterback come draft day.

That removes C.J. Beathard as the choice here, and instead inserts running back Samaje Perine. Offense in Round 4 was a common occurrence for Baalke, as eight out of his 10 selections in that round came on offense.

Baalke hopes to create a two-headed monster with Carlos Hyde and Perine, who also serves as insurance against the injury-prone Hyde.