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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HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 01: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons addresses the media during the Super Bowl LI press conference on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 01: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons addresses the media during the Super Bowl LI press conference on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick No. 100: Running Back Devonta Freeman

Original Pick: Offensive Guard Brandon Thomas

What’s this? A fifth-consecutive offensive player taken by Trent Baalke? No way.

Well, revisionist history. So, way. Especially when the name is Devonta Freeman.

Freeman has been one of the most exciting running backs in the NFL, having been selected three spots after Baalke’s selection at No. 100 overall, former Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas.

Thomas has yet to play a regular-season game at the NFL level and found himself traded to the Detroit Lions just before the 2016 season.

Yeah, that pick didn’t work. At all.

But remember that whole thing earlier about San Francisco needing to find a runner to replace Frank Gore? Had Baalke known Freeman would end up being a two-time Pro Bowler over his three pro seasons so far, the pick would have been easy to make.

As a consolation prize, the guy who coordinated Freeman’s Atlanta Falcons offense the last two seasons is now the head coach of the 49ers.

So maybe Kyle Shanahan can find a similar gem in 2017. Let’s hope he already has.