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

By Peter Panacy

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)
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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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a fumble recovery by Tarell Brown #25 in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a fumble recovery by Tarell Brown #25 in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Well, this is simple.

Trent Baalke’s best NFL Draft pick is perennial All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Hands down.

Bowman was highly touted at Penn State but came with a number of injury concerns and red flags, which likely forced his draft stock to fall into the middle rounds.

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Fortunately for San Francisco, Baalke didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger at No. 91 overall.

Since that point, Bowman has received four first-team All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nominations. Had it not been for serious injuries in 2014 and 2016, it’s likely Bowman’s accolades would be even higher.

Next: 10 best rookie seasons in 49ers franchise history

To this date, and with good reason, Bowman remains the heart and soul of San Francisco’s defense.