Niner Noise
FanSided

Redrafting the 49ers’ questionable 2014 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 18: Charles Leno #72 of the Chicago Bears rests on the bench during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 18, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers defeated the Bears 30-27. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 18: Charles Leno #72 of the Chicago Bears rests on the bench during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 18, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers defeated the Bears 30-27. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Round 7, Pick No. 243: Offensive Tackle Charles Leno

Original Pick: Defensive End Kaleb Ramsey

We’re long into that point of the NFL Draft where almost closing one’s eyes and pointing at the draft board can net the next player.

Trent Baalke thought he did this by landing former Boston College defensive end Kaleb Ramsey in Round 7 — a player with little upside and a lot of injury concern.

But Baalke and the Niners would have been smarter to grab former Boise State offensive lineman Charles Leno at this spot.

Leno ended up going No. 246 overall to the Chicago Bears and ended up being a full-time starter his second season at tackle.

His 70.8 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, isn’t particularly great. But remember, San Francisco was going to lose right tackle Anthony Davis to retirement in just over a year.

Instead of a player like Leno filling the void, the Niners had to turn to offensive tackle Erik Pears.

Who would you rather have?