49ers: Top 20 NFL Draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 NFL draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 20: San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during a press conference where Chip Kelly was announced as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams stiff arms Eli Harold #58 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Selected in Round 3, No. 79 overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft

Our list kicks off with a player who has been a bit slow in development, former Virginia linebacker Eli Harold.

Harold, a Round 3 pickup from Trent Baalke in the 2015 NFL Draft, had a fairly prolific collegiate career — registering 17.5 sacks over three season. But those numbers haven’t exactly translated over to the pro level.

Through 2016, Harold has just three sacks over two completed season.

But Harold makes this list at the back end for a couple of reasons. He wasn’t part of San Francisco’s vast roster clearing by now-general manager John Lynch, so that’s a bonus. And even more worthwhile is the thought Harold made veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks expendable.

The Niners let Brooks walk just before the 2017 season, promoting Harold to a full-time starter at the SAM linebacker position.

Let’s see if he thrives in it.