San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft history: Best player taken in each round
By Peter Panacy
Round 5: Safety Merton Hanks
Selected No. 122 overall in the 1991 NFL Draft
In 1991, safety Ronnie Lott was on his way out and fellow defensive back Merton Hanks was on his way in.
Hanks wasn’t seen as a high-level NFL Draft prospect, though, largely due to a poor performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. This allowed Hanks to slip all the way into Round 5, which is where the 49ers took him at No. 122 overall.
Hanks took a few years to make an impact. His first few seasons at the NFL level primarily saw him in a platoon/reserve role at cornerback and then strong safety. But in 1994, fully cemented as the starting free safety, Hanks managed seven interceptions and the first of four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
In total, Hanks recorded 31 interceptions during his illustrious Niners career and is still considered one of the greatest 49ers ballhawks of all time.