Niner Noise
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49ers 2018 draft plans: Quality of players selected ninth overall in the NFL Draft

By Chris Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after tackling Michael Burton #46 of the Chicago Bears for no gain on third down in the first quarter of the game on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after tackling Michael Burton #46 of the Chicago Bears for no gain on third down in the first quarter of the game on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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49ers Draft Dee Milliner
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 01: Mike Wallace #11 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown on the missed tackle by Dee Milliner #27 of the New York Jets in the fourth quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 1, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

CB Dee Milliner, 2013

In 2013, the New York Jets chose consensus All-American cornerback Dee Milliner, from Alabama, with the ninth pick in the draft. A standout defender on a top college defense, Milliner appeared to be the safest selection at pick No. 9, but ended up being the biggest bust in this group of players.

Milliner played just eight games in his NFL career, after sustaining injuries to his Achilles tendon, shoulder, wrist, hamstring, bicep and quadriceps. After multiple failed attempts to trade the former first-round pick, the Jets released Milliner prior to his fourth season with the team:

Milliner received little interest from other teams after his release, and never played again in the NFL.

Next: 49ers' 2018 NFL Draft big board

This sample size of five seasons is indeed limited, but the returns from these No. 9 picks are quite unimpressive. Increasing the sample to prior years improves the player pool, notably with linebacker Luke Kuechly — a “safe” pick at a low-value position, drawing similarities to Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith.

The Carolina Panthers selected Kuechly after three quarterbacks and a running back were selected in the first eight picks. Many mocks predict a similar start to the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft prior to the San Francisco 49ers’ scheduled selection.